Varicocele Embolization

A varicocele is a varicose vein of the testicle and scrotum that may cause pain, testicular atrophy (shrinkage) or fertility problems. Veins contain one-way valves that work to allow blood to flow from the testicles and scrotum back to the heart. When these valves fail, the blood pools and enlarges the veins around the testicle in the scrotum to cause a varicocele. As a treatment, urologists often suggest open surgical ligation, but our physicians can offer varicocele embolization, which is as effective as surgery with less risk, less pain and less recovery time. For the procedure, our physicians make a tiny nick in the skin at the groin using local anesthesia, through which a thin catheter is passed into the femoral vein, directly to the testicular vein. By using coils, balloons, or particles, the physician blocks the blood flow in the vein which reduces pressure on the varicocele. By embolizing the vein, blood flow is re-directed to other healthy pathways.