Atlanta Vascular & Vein Center

A varicocele is an enlargement of the veins within the scrotum, the bag of skin that holds the testicles.

This is not a rare condition because latest researches show that up to 1-5% of men has a varicocele. Infertile men have a much higher chance of having a varicocele, about 40%. Varicoceles are the most common cause of low sperm counts and decrease in sperm quality, although not all affect sperm production. They usually cover the left testicle, most likely because of the position of the left testicular vein; however, a varicocele in one testicle can affect sperm production in both testicles. Most varicoceles are easily treated and diagnosed. The latest, state of the art, minimally invasive techniques is called varicocele embolization.

What is Varicocele Embolization?

Varicocele embolization is a non-surgical minimally invasive solution that has been successful in eliminating varicoceles for thousands of men, and can have you back to your active lifestyle in just a few days. Many men choose this alternative because it does not require general anesthesia, incisions to the scrotum, or stitches.

One or our doctors inserts a tube into a vein in the patient’s groin or neck through which instruments can be passed. Viewing enlarged veins on a monitor, the doctor releases balloons to create a blockage in the testicular veins. This interrupts the blood flow and repairs the varicocele. This procedure will require you to be sedated and may take several hours.

Advantages of this procedure

  • Outpatient procedure
  • Recovery time is usually less than 24 hours
  • No anesthesia
  • No incisions or stitches
  • Fewer complications than surgery

Possible Complications

  • Bruising at the catheter site
  • Nausea
  • Low-grade backache
  • Infection
  • Hydrocele (the accumulation of serous fluid in a body sac)
  • Loss of a testicle
  • Recurring of the varicocele

Embolization and Semen Analysis

Studies have shown that varicocele repair can improve semen analysis significantly, but there is no guarantee. It has been proven that pregnancy rates in infertile couples can improve after varicocele repair by about 30-50%.

Dr. Tilara specializes in reparing varicocele embolization allowing patients to return to their everyday lives as quickly as possible.