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Advanced Microsurgery Varicocele Treatment
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Varicocele

What is a Varicocele?

Varicocele is a venous insufficiency condition in which the veins in the scrotum (a skin-covered sac that houses the testicles) expand due to dysfunctional vein valves. It is the most frequent cause of infertility in males between the ages of 15 and 25, where it affects 15-20% of the male population.

How does it form?

Varicoceles are brought on by scrotal vein anomalies. The testicles' blood flow is controlled by valves within the veins. The circulation of blood becomes abnormal as a result of a vein's faulty valve, which causes the blood to pool. The veins in the scrotum expand or become inflamed as a result.
Due to the testicles' fast expansion throughout puberty, this ailment most frequently occurs then. Varicoceles are located on the left side of the scrotum in roughly 85% of cases. Rarely, it may even be present on both sides of the scrotum.

Causes

  • Blockage in the spermatic cord
  • Injury around the scrotum or testicles
  • Infections like epididymitis
  • Drinking water while standing
  • Exercising without any protective gear
  • Puberty

Symptoms

  • scrotum has a visible bulge or enlargement
  • dull scrotal soreness that comes and goes.
  • pain and swelling around the scrotum that is becoming worse
  • Scrotal veins clearly twisted
  • testicular feeling of heaviness
  • Infertility

Diagnosis

Test

Valsalva Maneuver:The doctor may use the Valsalva manoeuvre, a breathing technique, to identify issues with the autonomic nervous system. You will be asked to perform this diagnostic procedure while standing still and holding your nostrils tightly shut by the urologist. This will put more pressure on your chest and make it easier for the doctor to see if your scrotum’s veins have grown abnormally wide.
Scrotal/Doppler Ultrasound: The inside organs of your body are visualised during this test using sound waves. As this test assists in establishing the direction of blood flow in your scrotal veins and can help the doctor figure out how large the veins in the scrotum are, the doctor will be able to classify your varicocele based on the size of the lump.
Scrotal Infrared Digital Thermography: This is a non-invasive diagnostic technique that aids in the early identification of varicocele. The skin surface temperature surrounding the scrotum is measured by this test. Thermography of the scrotum can be very helpful in identifying low-grade varicoceles and is also utilised as a follow-up diagnostic procedure after the problem has been surgically treated.

SELF DIAGNOSIS

Varicocele is a fairly common condition among males. In most cases people might have no symptoms at all, which also serves as a reason for it to be left untreated.
There are certain cases where people are even unaware that they are suffering from a varicocele. But, it can be a matter of concern usually after performing a strenuous activity/heavy exercise or after prolonged standing and sitting hours.
The following are some symptoms that may suggest you need treatment:
dull scrotal/testicular discomfort
a sensation of weight or dragging in the penis
Scrotal veins clearly twisted
Infertility
scrotum has a visible bulge or enlargement
discomfort on one side of the scrotum or in one of the testicles

Diagnosis by the Doctor

In order to treat your varicocele, a urologist may perform a physical examination of you. This examination may enable the doctor to feel the non-tender mass above your testicle. A valsalva technique may be used by the urologist if the condition is still undiagnosed. You may be instructed to stand, take a deep breath, and hold it while you bear down.
A scrotal ultrasonography or scrotal thermography test will be performed on you if a valsalva manoeuvre is insufficient to accurately diagnose your issue.

Grades

Grade I

The doctor performs a valsalva manoeuvre since at this time the varicocele is not visible and can only be felt when the patient is straining.

Grade II

The varicocele can be felt at this point when at rest. Even when it cannot be seen, it can still be found without doing a valsalva manoeuvre.

Grade III

The varicocele is now readily apparent and can cause discomfort and infertility in addition to other issues.

Risks & Complications

During the surgery

Testicular fluid accumulation that may result in hydrocele

After the surgery

Redness, swelling, or discharge coming from the surgery wound
contamination near the surgery wound
Fever
feeling queasy
Leg ache or swelling
Difficulty completing a full bladder emptying while urinating

If left untreated

Varicocele can progress over time if ignored, leading to an exacerbation of symptoms that might make it more challenging for you to go about your everyday activities. Untreated varicoceles may result in a number of problems, such as the following:
Issues with conception
Testicular atrophy, or the testicles getting smaller
Azoospermia
Unbalanced hormones
Irregular erection

When to consult a doctor ?

Varicocele does not usually cause life-threatening problems and may not require immediate medical attention. However, it might result in a number of issues, such as infertility and decreased testosterone production, which might result in issues including metabolic syndrome, osteoporosis, and diabetes.
You should immediately contact a urologist if you are suffering any varicocele symptoms and are aware that it is impairing your fertility or sperm production.

Treatment Options & Cost

Non-surgical

Varicocele Embolization: A tiny catheter is injected into the scrotal vein through the groyne area during a non-surgical treatment technique called varicocele embolization. Through the catheter, a coil is placed into the varicocele, blocking the afflicted veins. This causes the healthy veins to serve as a different pathway for blood flow to the cardiovascular system, eventually causing the injured veins to collapse.

Surgical

Laparoscopic Varicocelectomy: General anaesthesia is used for this procedure, which is mostly favoured for treating patients with second- or third-grade varicoceles. Small abdominal incisions are made by the surgeon during the surgery. The surgeon makes an incision and inserts a small, lighted scope called a laparoscope. They then inflate the belly with CO2 gas to give them a clear view of the interior organs. Once the enlarged veins have been located, they are cut, and the ends are sealed. All of the instruments are taken out after the ends have been sealed, and the incisions are then stitched or clipped shut before a dressing is put on.
Microscopic varicocelectomy: If there is a chance of infertility, this surgery is typically carried out. Above the scrotum, the physician makes a very little incision to do this procedure. The surgeon divides the testicular arteries and vas deferens in the scrotum using a microscope. The surgeon next dissects down to the spermatic cord while maintaining the lymphatic outflow. Each aberrant vein is carefully dissected circumferentially after it is discovered, then tied off to stop the blood flow before draining the testicular blood into the inner thigh and pelvis.

Surgery Preparation

The position of the malfunctioning valves will be identified during a physical examination conducted by the surgeon before to the procedure.
When you arrive at the hospital, you will be asked to undergo a number of tests to ascertain your blood pressure, temperature, and heart rate before the surgery. These tests include blood tests and ECGs.
Before having the operation, it is crucial that you let your surgeon know about any medications you have been taking.
It would be great if you could shave the treatment region before having the surgery because a varicocele repair procedure is typically carried out through the groyne area.
You won’t be allowed to eat or drink anything because of how the anaesthesia could affect your body., would result in the surgeon choking out stomach contents.
Before the procedure, you should take a shower since the surgeon will want you to keep the operative region dry to reduce the chance of infection.
In order to completely rule out the potential of any issues, you will need to refrain from taking certain medications like aspirin, diabetic medications, blood thinners, and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
In order to reduce the chance of complications during the process, you should let your doctor know before the surgery if you think you might be allergic to the anaesthesia.

What to expect during the surgery?

You will either receive general anaesthesia or spinal anaesthesia, depending on your treatment plan, to assist reduce your pain and suffering throughout the procedure.
A small incision will be made around the groyne to perform one of the two operations (inguinal or subinguinal) during a microscopic varicocelectomy.
With the aid of a microscope, the surgeon will separate the testicular arteries and vas deferens in the scrotum after making the necessary incisions while maintaining the lymphatic drainage.
The aberrant veins will subsequently be discovered as the surgeon dissects all the way down to the spermatic cord.
After finding the aberrant veins, the surgeon would carefully dissect each one circumferentially before tying them up to stop the blood flow.
After draining the testicle’s blood into the inner thigh and pelvis, the surgeon will sew up the wounds and cover the testicle with bandages.

After the surgery

You will be kept under monitoring once the surgery is finished until the anaesthetic reaction wears off.
You will be moved to the ward after you are completely awake, where your health will be carefully observed.
When you first wake up, your groyne could feel a little sore or hurt, and it might also seem bruised or swollen.
You will be ready for a hospital discharge based on your general health status.
In order to avoid the likelihood of any infections around the incision, you will be instructed to keep the surgical region dry and clean for a few days after the procedure.

Before and after the surgery comparison

The effects of a varicocele typically manifest over time. To get the optimum benefits, it can take three to six months. But it must be remembered that getting the best outcomes requires carefully adhering to the doctor’s directions during the entire healing process. One should frequently attend the follow-up consultations with the doctor in order to obtain long-lasting benefits and to guarantee a proper and thorough recovery.

Cost

Varicocele surgery in India could cost anything between 40,000 and 70,000 rupees. The cost of the doctor’s services, the type and location of the hospital chosen for the procedure, the cost of medications, and the cost of any diagnostic or other laboratory tests all affect how much the procedure will cost an individual. As a result, this price shouldn’t be viewed as a hard and fast rule.

Insurance Coverage

Insurance covers the majority of operations at Surgical Sathi. However, the type of insurance you select and the provider you choose also affect your insurance coverage. A Surgical Sathi insurance team member will review all of your insurance documentation and inform you as to whether or not the treatment for varicocele is covered by insurance.

Recovery Rate

With a demonstrated success rate of more than 90%, surgical treatments have been incredibly effective in treating varicoceles over the years. However, just like with any surgical procedure, the severity of the condition and the experience of the surgeon have a significant impact on the success or hazards of varicocele therapy.
To ensure a healthy recovery, post-operative care is also crucial. To reduce the danger of any potential difficulties, it is crucial to adhere to the doctor’s instructions.

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