Varicocele

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

• A varicocele (VAR-i-ko-sel) is a condition where the veins (blood vessels) in the scrotum are dilated (widened). The scrotum is the sac that holds the testicles, which produce sperm and hormones. A varicocele is the most common cause of infertility in men as it affects how sperm are produced. It is usually found more on the left testicle than on the right testicle. A varicocele occurs when the valves (door-like stoppers) within the veins in the scrotum do not work properly. The abnormal valves prevent normal blood flow and cause blood to backup, which dilates and enlarges the veins.
  
  
• Signs and symptoms include a mass or swelling on the scrotum that usually feels like a bag of worms. Enlarged and twisted veins may also be present. .A physical examination may determine if you have a varicocele. Diagnostic tests may include a scrotal ultrasound, semen analysis, and spermatic venography. Treatment includes surgery to repair the varicocele or a percutaneous embolization. With treatment, a varicocele may be cured, and its symptoms relieved.

CARE AGREEMENT:

You have the right to help plan your care. To help with this plan, you must learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. You can then discuss treatment options with your caregivers. Work with them to decide what care may be used to treat you. You always have the right to refuse treatment.

RISKS:

Treatment of a varicocele carries certain risks. You could get an infection or bleed too much with surgery. Your stomach, intestines, blood vessels, or kidneys may get injured or burned during surgery. Problems during laparoscopic surgery, such as an injury to your bladder, may lead to open surgery. This is surgery to open your abdomen (stomach) and repair the injuries. Even with treatment, your varicocele may come back. If left untreated, infertility may continue to be a problem. Ask your caregiver if you are worried or have questions about your condition, medicine, or care.

WHILE YOU ARE HERE:

Informed consent: You have the right to understand your health condition in words that you know. You should be told what tests, treatments, or procedures may be done to treat your condition. Your doctor should also tell you about the risks and benefits of each treatment. You may be asked to sign a consent form that gives caregivers permission to do certain tests, treatments, or procedures. If you are unable to give your consent, someone who has permission can sign this form for you. A consent form is a legal piece of paper that tells exactly what will be done to you. Before giving your consent, make sure all your questions have been answered so that you understand what may happen.

IV: An IV is a tube placed in your vein for giving medicine or liquids. This tube is capped or connected to tubing and liquid.

Medicines: Your caregiver may give you the following kinds of medicines:

• Antibiotics: Antibiotics may be given to help treat or prevent an infection caused by germs called bacteria.
  
  
• Pain medicine: Caregivers may give you medicine to take away or decrease your pain. Medicine may be given regularly, or may only be given if you ask caregivers for it. Tell caregivers if your pain does not decrease enough for you to feel better. Do not wait to ask for your pain medicine until the pain is very bad. The medicine may not work as well at controlling your pain if you wait too long to take it. Ask your caregiver for help getting out of bed if you feel tired or dizzy.

Tests: You may need any of the following:

• Semen analysis: A semen analysis is a test to check a man's fertility. A semen sample will be taken. Semen is the thick, white, sperm-containing fluid discharged during ejaculation (process of ejecting semen from the penis). You may need to talk with your caregiver about the method of sample collection.
  
  
• Spermatic venography: This test will examine and show the position of the veins in the scrotum. During this test, your caregiver will put dye into your body and take x-rays to look for the varicocele. Tell your caregiver if you are allergic to shellfish (lobster, crab, or shrimp), as you may also be allergic to this dye.
  
  
• Ultrasonography: A scrotal ultrasound uses sound waves to find lumps and other changes in your testicles and scrotum.

Treatment options:

• Percutaneous embolization: Percutaneous embolization uses a special tube that is inserted into a vein in either your groin or your neck. After seeing the varicocele, coils or balloons are released to create an obstruction (blockage) in the enlarged veins. This obstruction will stop blood flow and treat the varicocele.
  
  
• Surgery: Open or laparoscopic surgery may be done to cut and tie off the veins leading to the varicocele. This stops blood flow and treats the varicocele. Open surgery for a varicocele is done by making an incision in your groin, abdomen (stomach) or below the groin. Laparoscopy is done by inserting a scope into small cuts made in your abdomen. The scope is a long tube with a magnifying glass, a camera, and a light on the end.

Vital signs: This includes taking your temperature, blood pressure, pulse (counting your heartbeat), and respirations (counting your breaths). To take your blood pressure, a cuff is put on your arm and tightened. The cuff is attached to a machine which gives your blood pressure reading. Caregivers may listen to your heart and lungs by using a stethoscope. Your vital signs are taken so caregivers can see how you are doing.

Copyright © 2008 Thomson Healthcare Inc. All rights reserved. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.

The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Link to Page

Print Page

Email Page