What to Expect During Varicocele Embolization
A varicocele embolization is a minimally invasive procedure. During a varicocele embolization, a coil or embolic fluid is inserted into the enlarged vein via a catheter. Once in proper position, the coil or embolic fluid is able to divert blood flow away from the enlarged vein, thus reducing the amount of blood supplied to the testicles. Your doctor uses imaging software throughout this entire process, which allows them to see exactly how well the coil or embolic fluid is able to immediately redirect the excess blood from the varicocele.
Your body’s vascular system should then fix itself by rerouting the extra blood to healthy veins. The dysfunctional varicoceles will gradually become closed off, leaving only a healthy circulatory system behind.
By regulating the blood flow to the testicles, your doctor is also able to better regulate their temperature, which is designed to give you a better outlook for conception of a child.
Benefits of Varicocele Embolization
Radiology Info stated varicocele embolization is not a surgery, it is a simple procedure that allows the patient to return home within that very same day. Other major benefits of varicocele embolization include:
- Minimal pain
- Quick to complete (the procedure usually takes about an hour)
- Instantaneous relief from painful symptoms
- Speedy recovery of 1-2 days
- No permanent scarring of the testicles
- Ability to return to sexual activities in approximately 1 week, depending upon your individual doctor’s recommendation
- 90% success rate, which is the same as surgical alternatives