Scrotal pain and swelling from enlarged veins do not require open surgical ligation. Soris Pain & Vascular Institute performs varicocele embolization to block the dilated testicular vein through a catheter-based approach, relieving discomfort and potentially improving fertility.
The procedure uses a single small puncture. You go home the same day.
Soris Pain & Vascular Institute
Varicocele embolization is a catheter-based procedure that occludes the dilated internal spermatic vein (gonadal vein) using coils, embolic agents, or a combination of both, redirecting blood flow through healthy venous pathways and eliminating the reflux that causes scrotal varicosities.
Our physicians advance a microcatheter from a small puncture in the neck or groin vein to the internal spermatic vein. Fluoroscopic venography maps the refluxing vessel before treatment.
Metallic coils and a sclerosing agent are deployed to seal the vein. Blood drains normally through collateral venous channels.
The procedure typically takes 45 to 60 minutes under local anesthesia, with light sedation available if needed.
Procedure
Our team reviews your scrotal ultrasound, semen analysis if applicable, and symptom history. Our physicians review the diagnosis and imaging findings and confirm that embolization is appropriate.
You will lie on the procedure table under local anesthesia. Mild sedation may be provided if needed for your comfort. A small venous puncture provides catheter access.
You may feel brief pressure as coils are deployed. The procedure is well tolerated.
A small bandage covers the access site. Most patients return to desk work within one to two days and resume physical activity within a week. Soris Pain & Vascular Institute schedules follow-up at 4 to 6 weeks.
Scrotal discomfort and swelling improve progressively over two to four weeks.
Benefits
Embolization accesses the vein through a remote puncture site, avoiding an inguinal or subinguinal incision. Wound infection and hydrocele risk are lower compared to open varicocelectomy.
Soris Pain & Vascular Institute completes the procedure at our outpatient facilities. No general anesthesia or hospital admission is required.
Published studies report improved sperm concentration and motility in a significant proportion of men treated with varicocele embolization. Soris Pain & Vascular Institute discusses fertility outcomes during your consultation.
Embolization seals the entire length of the incompetent vein with coils. Recurrence rates in published series are comparable to or lower than those for surgical repair.
Reference: Liu Q, Zhang X, Zhou F, et al. Comparing Endovascular and Surgical Treatments for Varicocele: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. J Vasc Interv Radiol. 2022;33(7):834-840.e2.
Conditions Treated with Varicocele Embolization
Embolization is indicated for men with symptomatic varicocele causing scrotal pain, testicular atrophy, or subfertility attributed to impaired spermatogenesis from elevated testicular temperature.
Candidates include men who prefer to avoid groin surgery or who have experienced recurrence after a prior surgical repair.
Collaboration
Our physicians perform varicocele embolization at our outpatient facilities. They coordinate with referring urologists to align the treatment plan with each patient's fertility and symptom goals.
Our vascular specialists provide pre-procedure evaluation and post-procedure monitoring.
FAQ
Both achieve high success rates. Embolization avoids a groin incision, uses conscious sedation instead of general anesthesia, and typically involves a shorter recovery. Soris Pain & Vascular Institute discusses both options during your consultation.
Reference: Bou Nasr E, Binhazzaa M, Almont T, et al. Subinguinal microsurgical varicocelectomy vs. percutaneous embolization in infertile men: Prospective comparison of reproductive and functional outcomes. Basic Clin Androl. 2017;27:11.
Published data shows improved semen parameters in approximately 60 to 80 percent of treated men. Pregnancy rates also improve in couples where the male partner undergoes varicocele correction.
Reference: Belczak SQ, Stefaniak V, Góes LG, et al. Improvement of semen parameters after coil embolization of varicoceles: a systematic review. J Vasc Bras. 2021;20:e20200137.
Light activity resumes within one to two days. Soris Pain & Vascular Institute recommends avoiding heavy lifting for one week to allow the access site to heal.
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