Varicocele Embolization

Varicoceles are enlarged veins inside the scrotum which can cause swelling, pain, or infertility. Oftentimes they cause no problems and do not require treatment. If causing problems, they are often effectively treated by embolization (intentional blocking) of the gonadal vein, which is a long vein for the testicle, located mostly within the abdomen. Using minimally invasive technique, a small catheter can be inserted into a leg vein and guided under X-ray to the abnormal vein in the abdomen, which is then blocked off. The procedure involves very little pain or recovery period and is therefore often preferred over surgical options, especially for active or working patients.

Typical Experience

• Varicocele embolization will be performed in the interventional suite while you are receiving sedation and opiate analgesia (“twilight anesthesia”). Most patients will not receive general anesthesia (no tube for breathing and no ventilator). The procedure is done through a very small hole and involves little pain.
• After the procedure, you will be able to eat and drink while you rest in bed for a couple hours. Most patients are discharged a couple hours after the procedure.
• Most patients are instructed to perform only light activity for about 2 days. Avoid heavy contact sports or strong exertion for 2 weeks.
• This is simply a brief description of a typical experience, and a full explanation of the procedure and its risks will be given when you visit your doctor before the procedure. You may also refer to the links below under ‘Resources’.

How to Prepare

• Do not eat or drink anything after midnight the night before procedure, except for sips of water with your usual medications.
• Report to Jonsson Admitting (first floor of Jonsson building at the Baylor University Medical Center) in the morning at the time given to you by our office.
• Plan to have somebody else drive you home.
• If you are allergic to X-ray dye (contrast material), please inform our office days in advance and make certain you obtain and take the prescribed pre-medications (Methylprednisolone [prescription] and Benadryl [OTC]).

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