Varicocele Doctor in Konkan, Hydrocele Surgery Clinic in Konkan
A Varicocelectomy is a surgical procedure that repairs varicoceles.
An expansion of the veins within the loose bag of skin that contains the testicles is known as a Varicocele (VAR-ih-koe-seel). Blood from the testicles that has lost oxygen is transported via these veins. When blood collects in the veins instead of flowing out of the scrotum effectively, it causes a varicocele.
During puberty, varicoceles often form and grow over time. Although they frequently have no symptoms or problems, they may occasionally produce some pain or discomfort.
A varicocele may result in decreased sperm production, poor testicular growth, or other issues that might impair fertility. To manage these issues, varicocele surgery may be advised.
Symptoms of Varicocele :
Varicoceles frequently show no symptoms at all and are typically located on the left side of the scrotum. The precise cause of varicocele can’t be exactly identified. It's possible that the veins' valves are absent or malfunctioning. Blood may pool in the veins if blood flow is slow. Additionally, the connections between the major veins on the left and right sides that travel from the testicles to the heart vary. For blood to continue flowing through the veins and into the heart, more pressure is required on the left side. Veins may enlarge if blood collects in the veins or flows backwards. Rarely, tumors or enlarged lymph nodes behind the abdomen obstruct blood flow. Scrotal veins may suddenly enlarge as a result of this. This hurts a lot of the time.
Possible signs and symptoms may include :
- Pain. A dull, aching pain or discomfort is more likely when standing or late in the day. Lying down often relieves pain.
- A mass in the scrotum. If a varicocele is large enough, a mass like a "bag of worms" may be visible above the testicle. A smaller varicocele may be too small to see but noticeable by touch.
- Differently sized testicles. The affected testicle may be noticeably smaller than the other testicle.
- Infertility. Varicocele may lead to difficulty fathering a child, but not all varicoceles cause infertility.
Diagnosis of Varicocele :
Varicoceles are discovered either by self-examination of the scrotum or by a standard medical examination. They are also called a "bag of worms." Due to their look and feel.
Urologists check the patients for Varicoceles while standing and may ask them to inhale deeply, hold it, and press down while feeling the area above the testicles. This method is referred to as the "Valsalva maneuver." It enables the Urologist to locate any vein enlargements.
The urologist may suggest Scrotal ultrasound tests. Sound waves are used in ultrasound to create an image of your inside organs. Veins larger than 3 millimeters and blood flowing in the incorrect direction during the Valsalva maneuver are indicators of varicoceles on ultrasonography. The testicles' size can also be seen on the ultrasound. When determining how to treat teenagers, this is helpful. If there are no issues found during the physical examination, there is no need for an ultrasound.
Treatment for Varicocele :
Varicoceles are frequently left untreated. Male patients can receive treatment if they have :
Issues with fertility (difficulties in fathering a kid)
Anguish
The growth of the left testicle is slower than that of the right.
Abnormal analysis of semen
Drugs are not available to prevent or treat varicoceles. However, analgesics (such acetaminophen or ibuprofen) could alleviate pain.
Surgery is the principal modality of therapy when necessary. Embolization is a non-surgical therapy method that involves temporarily restricting the veins.
Surgery for Varicocele :
Varicocele surgery can be performed in a variety of methods. All of these include obstructing the pampiniform plexus veins' blood flow. There is general anesthesia during surgery.
The two most common surgeries are :
Microscopic varicocelectomy : This procedure involves a 1 cm incision made above the scrotum by the physician. By using a microscope, the surgeon cuts all minor veins, avoiding the testicular artery, vas deferens, and lymphatic drainage. The patient returns home the same day after the two-to-three-hour operation.
Laparoscopic varicocelectomy : Using this method, the surgeon ligates veins in the belly by inserting tiny tubes. This is a quicker process that takes thirty to forty minutes. The patient goes home that same day.
Recovery after Varicocele Surgery :
Although the pain following this procedure is usually not so bad, it may last for a few days or even weeks. Post the surgery, your doctor may recommend painkillers for a specific amount of time. Following that, your physician may suggest using over-the-counter pain relievers to ease your discomfort, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, etc.) or acetaminophen (Tylenol, etc.).
Following surgery, recovery is quick, and discomfort is usually minimal. For ten to fourteen days, you shouldn't exercise. Typically, you may go back to work five to seven days following surgery. Additionally, you will consult your urologist again.
There is no clarity of how varicocele repair affects fertility. Treatment for varicocele should be taken into account in addition to other options for reproductive treatment.
Catch-up growth may or may not occur in teenagers whose sluggish testicular development is the primary cause of their operation.
Care after Varicocele Surgery :
Patient can use an ice pack on the afflicted regions for up to ten minutes to aid with pain and swelling relief which can be done several times a day.
The patient must try to keep the areas that are infected as clean as possible to avoid reinfection. They must wash their hands with soap and water before replacing the bandages.
As you recover, avoid having a bath. Shower and carefully clean the regions that are afflicted. Additionally, patient must refrain from swimming.
Excessive physical activity may cause pressure on the incisions. Lifting more than ten pounds for a minimum of two weeks must be avoided by the patient.
Straining during a bowel movement (pooping) and constipation might put pressure on the incisions. Patient must increase their intake of whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and other high-fiber foods and water intake. To make pooping easier, patient can also take magnesium hydroxide, popularly known as milk of magnesia, or stool softeners.