PROFESSOR SUKS MINHAS | MR TET YAP | 0207 034 5032
MICROSURGICAL VARICOCELE LIGATION
Microsurgical varicocele ligation is a procedure performed using a high-powered operating microscope. The procedure aims to eliminate varicoceles or large, dilated veins of the spermatic cord in the testicles.
A varicocele are enlarged or dilated veins that forms in one or both testicles. The veins become large due to the pooling of blood. This can not only cause fertility problems but also become painful and unsightly.
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Males suffering from varicoceles will most likely experience the condition on the left side of the body or the left testicle.
Varicoceles can cause a dragging, heavy sensation in the testicles. Suffers may also feel aches and pains in the scrotum. Pain can occur after long periods of standing.
Microsurgical ligation is a very effective treatment for symptomatic varicoceles and should be considered when radiological embolisation has failed.
It is also effective in improving semen parameters in all followed up oligoasthenoteratozoospermia cases. It should be considered a primary method of varicocele treatment in the UK.
PREPARATION FOR MICROSURGICAL VARICOCELE LIGATION
The cause of varicoceles is unknown. Men can suffer issues with their kidneys due to varicoceles.
The standard way to remove varicoceles from patients is through a microsurgical varicocele ligation procedure or embolisation. This can provide men with pain relief.
Doctors will grade a patient’s varicoceles based on their size. Size is graded between 1 and 3 with largest or most visible being given the higher number.
Varicoceles often occur in men with fertility issues. Currently, infertility experts are split on whether fixing varicoceles help fertility in patients. However, it is now believed that varicocele treatment can improve natural pregnancy rates and even improve the results from IVF/ICSI.
There is evidence that varicocele treatment can lower sperm DNA damage. It may take up to 3-6 months, before the beneficial effects of treatment are seen.
MICROSURGICAL VARICOCELE LIGATION PROCEDURE
An incision is made in the scrotum and the spermatic cord is dissected. It is here that the abnormal veins are discovered. The veins will be dissected and tied off to drain blood away from the testicles. There can be several complications with the procedure. The microsurgical varicocele ligation approach can minimise the complications patients face.
RECOVERY FROM MICROSURGICAL VARICOCELE LIGATION
Patients may suffer from pain in their groin for three to six weeks following microsurgical varicocele ligation. The scrotum may bruise and swell. This can last up to four weeks. On average, men who undergo the procedure will return to work in three days. Jobs in which men perform physical activity will most likely remain out of work for a week. Swelling and pain can be reduced by applying ice to the affected area. In addition, men may choose to wear snug fitting underpants to hold the scrotum in place. Patients may take over the counter painkillers to reduce swelling and pain.