Varicocele Embolization Specialist

What is varicocele embolization?

Varicocele embolization is a minimally invasive vascular interventional procedure to treat varicocele (varicose veins in the scrotum). South Florida Vascular Associates offers varicocele embolization — a conservative approach that only requires a tiny skin puncture (about the size of a pencil lead).

Varicocele embolization allows you to completely avoid surgery in a hospital, and it requires virtually no downtime.

When might I need varicocele embolization?

You might need varicocele embolization if your varicocele causes symptoms such as:

• Testicle pain
• Swollen testicles or scrotum
• Lump in the affected testicle
• Change in testicle or scrotum size or shape
• Infertility (inability to father a baby after trying for 12 months)

Asymptomatic varicocele may not require treatment. Every case is different, so the South Florida Vascular Associates team can discuss your specific symptoms and situation with you to help you choose the best treatment path. 

How does varicocele embolization work?

During varicocele embolization, you’ll receive twilight sedation and local anesthesia, which means you’ll doze through the half-hour procedure. A tiny puncture in either a neck or groin vein creates an opening for a catheter. 

The team uses a specialized type of X-ray imaging to position the tube in the ideal place. They inject tiny metal coils that plug the vein, followed by an irritant substance called a sclerosant. The sclerosant also encourages the varicocele to close. 

After injecting the sclerosant, the team adds a few additional metal coils that effectively cut off the varicocele’s blood supply. 

If you have two varicocele veins, the team can treat both using the same tiny puncture. After the procedure, your varicocele steadily shrinks because it’s no longer getting the blood to sustain it. The vein withers over time, and you’ll process and dispose of the vein tissue through normal bodily processes.

What are the advantages of varicocele embolization versus surgery?

Varicocele embolization offers many advantages over varicocele surgery, including: 

• Lower complication rate
• Just as effective as varicocele surgery
• Tiny puncture versus a large incision
• Small bandage versus stitches 
• Outpatient procedure versus a hospital stay
• Virtually no downtime versus a long recovery

With equal results and far less difficulty during and after the procedure, varicocele embolization is the clear choice for symptom relief without disrupting your life.

To schedule your consultation for a varicocele embolization, call South Florida Vascular Associates or click the provided appointment button now.