Varicocele embolization is a medical procedure that helps get rid of accumulated blood from a vein in the scrotum. This vein is referred to as a varicocele, and it often causes swelling, pain, and infertility. Your scrotum is the sac-like organ that contains your blood vessels, part of your spermatic cord, and testes. A varicocele can also be described as an abnormally enlarged group of veins within your scrotum. These veins are often similar to the varicose veins found in the legs. If you have a varicocele, your radiologist will use a coil or special agents to embolize or block the swelled vein. In this article, we will explain why you should have your varicocele embolization performed by a Coconut Creek, FL nurse practitioner.
What Are the Symptoms of Varicocele embolization?
Generally, varicoceles do not have any symptoms, but they can lead to reduced growth of the testicles in young people. They can also cause swelling, pain, and, in severe cases, infertility. There are many effective treatments for varicoceles, with surgery and varicocele embolization being the two main treatments. It would be best to first consult with your healthcare provider before determining which treatment solution is the most suitable for you.
What are the risks of varicocele embolization?
While varicocele embolization is generally considered a safe and reliable treatment option, there are some cases where the procedure may prove unsuccessful. The success rate of the embolization procedure depends on your age and any pre-existing medical conditions. The severity of your varicocele may also influence the type of risk. Below are some of the common risks of varicocele embolization:
- Lower back pain
- Allergic reaction
- Nausea
- Inflammation of the scrotum
- Infection
- Migration of the coil used to block the swelled vein
- Excess bleeding
- Inflammation of the vein
Preparation
While preparing for your varicocele embolization procedure, your doctor will first ask you a number of questions such as; your medical history, recent symptoms, medications, or past problems with contrast dye or drug allergies. If needed, your provider may perform several tests, such as an ultrasound of your scrotum, to have accurate details about your varicocele problem. Your healthcare provider may also recommend that you do not drink or eat anything for several hours before the procedure. It is also advisable that you have someone who will be able to take you home after the embolization procedure.
What happens during varicocele embolization?
The varicocele embolization procedure usually takes a few hours; before the procedure, you will be given medicine to help you feel relaxed as your doctor carefully monitors your blood pressure and heart rate. Numbing medicine will be injected into a region on the inner portion of your upper thigh. Your provider will then clean the area and inject your thigh. X-rays will be sued to help place the tube in the right location in your scrotum. A special liquid or a small coil will be released into the affected vein to help divert flow of blood. This will allow blood to exit your scrotum normally. Afterwards, the catheter tube will be removed, and a bandage will be placed over the treatment area.
At South Florida Vascular Associates, we provide the residents living in and around Coconut Creek with minimal invasive treatment solutions for varicose veins, peripheral arterial disease, benign prostatic hyperplasia, and many other vascular complications.
