Varicocele
Varicocele – is strictly a "male" condition.
It is a varicose enlargement of the veins within the scrotum, which poses no major threat to health but can lead to infertility, reduced potency, and discomfort in the scrotum. Timely diagnosis and proper treatment can help prevent these complications of the condition. If you suspect you have this condition due to fertility issues or notice enlarged veins in the scrotum, we are ready to assist you.
Our Results
Diagnosis of varicocele at our clinic
During the consultation, the doctor clarifies details about the onset and course of the disease, conducts an examination and palpation, reviews the available analyses and investigations to compile the medical history.
Standard diagnostics allowing measurement of testicular volume, vessel diameter, is an essential examination in our clinic, as it forms the basis of diagnosis.
Color Doppler ultrasound (CDU) - is a type of ultrasound that examines blood flow in veins. It is a mandatory component of diagnostics.
We perform both standing and lying ultrasound and Doppler examinations, enabling us to establish an accurate diagnosis and detect reflux.
Blood tests for hormones such as LH, FSH, testosterone, and SHBG are essential in diagnosing varicocele, especially if it is associated with infertility.
Our patient receives a well-founded diagnosis and recommendations for further treatment. It's important to note that we do not recommend surgical treatment for varicocele in cases where complications such as pain, male infertility factors, or decreased testosterone levels are absent. |
Infertile marriage, one of the main consequences of varicocele, is a disaster, a calamity. I have treated many patients for various oncological diseases, but I have never seen greater gratitude than in the eyes of a couple who have become parents. Because it truly - is a miracle: to hold your little one in your arms. They certainly squeal, cry, and don't let you sleep at night, but they can only be called happiness. O.E. Dilyanian, urologist-oncologist surgeon.
Causes and consequences
The causes of varicocele are quite simple: from birth, a patient inherits veins of less than optimal quality for creating veins. Over time, the vein expands, the valve mechanism stops working, and blood starts flowing downward instead of upward as it should. This is called "reflux," and it is this reflux that causes all the problems a man faces.The poisoned and overheated blood, instead of going upward for purification, flows downward onto the testicle. The testicle becomes poisoned.
- Substances in this blood are toxic and begin to irritate the testicular membrane. Pain occurs.
- The same toxicity, i.e., toxicity, begins to kill sperm. Infertility occurs.
- All the same poisons and high temperatures damage the testicular tissue. Decreased testosterone levels occur.
These symptoms can vary in severity and may not be present in all cases.
Unilateral - bilateral varicocele
Previously, it was believed that due to the peculiarities of male anatomy (the relative positioning of veins), varicocele on the left testicle — was the most common, with bilateral (both sides) and right-sided varicoceles less frequently observed. However, this view is now considered erroneous — based on recent research. According to the latest studies, in the majority of cases, varicocele develops bilaterally, affecting both sides equally.
Treatment methods for varicocele primarily involve surgical intervention. There are no medications that can effectively repair the dilated vein causing varicocele. Therefore, surgery remains the mainstay of treatment. Here are the key considerations:
1. Is Surgery Necessary?
Interestingly, the presence of varicocele often does not necessitate immediate surgery. It is not necessary to operate on a man who does not experience any of these symptoms: pain, infertility, or decreased testosterone levels. Regular observation every six months may suffice in such cases.
2. If Surgery is Needed, Which Method?
In essence, the best method is microsurgical varicocelectomy, known as the Marmar procedure. This has been extensively proven in Europe and the USA. However, unfortunately, some clinics in Russia still use older interventions like Ivanissevich's and Goldstein's procedures, which are no longer recommended by professional associations.
The recurrence rate of the disease using this technology is less than 1.5%, making it the most reliable. The risks of complications are also minimal. Other advantages of the Marmara operation, when performed by a qualified doctor, include:
● Guaranteed preservation of all lymphatic vessels and arteries nearby;
● Rapid healing and short rehabilitation period (the incision length is only 1.2 cm, tissue trauma is minimal, and pain during healing is insignificant);
● The lowest risks of complications.