Varicocelectomy is a surgical procedure used to resolve varicocele. This condition involves abnormal enlargement of veins (pampiniform plexus) inside the scrotum. It can block blood flow to all parts of the reproductive system. If left untreated, it leads to a decrease in sperm count or even infertility.
In varicocelectomy, the surgeon will either clamp off or tie the abnormal veins and restore the blood flow to the normal veins (around the abnormal veins).
How is varicocelectomy performed?
Varicocelectomy may need half an hour to one hour. Doctors may operate using microscopic surgery or laparoscopic or percutaneous embolization.
Before surgery : Preoperative preparations involve checking for the patient’s vitals, inserting a tube (IV or intravenous line for anaesthesia and medications), and shaving and cleansing the treatment area.
During surgery : The type of anaesthesia will depend on the type of surgery (general, local, or spinal).
The doctors will aim to redirect the blood flow to reduce venous swelling by a small incision over the inguinal canal (microscopic), keyhole incision in the lower abdomen (laparoscopic), or percutaneous embolization.
After surgery : After surgery, occasionally, the patient may have grogginess, nausea, or fatigue besides some pain in and around the incision site. The patient will be given pain relievers or anti-nausea drugs as per the symptoms. If the patient is able to walk, he can go home.
Cost of the varicocelectomy
Varicocelectomy costs at hospitals range between 25,000 INR and 2,32,000 INR, depending upon factors like the hospital, patient condition, anaesthesia, equipment used, and the type of procedure opted for treating the varicocele.
| Description | Cost |
|---|---|
|
Average cost in Hyderabad |
60,000 INR and 2,00,000 INR |
|
Average cost in India |
25,000 INR to 2,32,000 INR |
| Surgery details | Description |
|---|---|
|
Number of days in the hospital |
1 day |
|
Type of surgery |
Minor |
|
Type of Anaesthesia |
General anaesthesia |
|
Number of days required to recover |
1 day |
|
Duration of the procedure |
30 minutes (for one side) to 1 hour |
|
Type of surgical options available |
Open or Minimally invasive |
Risks and complications
The associated risk and complications of varicocelectomy are:
- Infection
- Abnormal swelling
- A buildup of fluids in the area
- Difficulty in urination
- Redness and inflammation
- Very high fever
- Abdominal pain
- Nausea and vomiting
- Artery damage
- Infertility
- Shrinkage of the testicles
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Frequently Asked Questions about Varicocelectomy Surgery
After varicocelectomy, the doctors usually advise:
- Not to indulge in sexual activity for a week or two
- Avoid submerging the incision area in water till it is healed enough
- Not engage in heavy lifting or tedious activities
- Avoid putting too much pressure while passing your stools; you can also opt for a stool softener if required.
The usual recovery time after varicocele surgery is approximately ten to fifteen days, depending on how soon the tissue heals. The patient may be able to get back to normal activities,as early as three days. However, he must refrain from exercising at least for two to three weeks.
Wear comfortable clothing. Before undergoing general anaesthesia, be prepared to remove your spectacles, dentures, hairpieces, and hearing aids. As per the doctor’s advice, you may need to stop your current medications and need a fasting period.
The doctor advises wearing comfortable clothing before undergoing general anaesthesia. Stop consumption of medications, if any. The patient may need to fast for a few hours before the surgery, as per the doctor’s instructions.
Do not take a shower immediately, and wait for at least a day or two before taking a bath, unless the doctor has advised otherwise.
In most cases, the patient can take a bath after 24 hours of the surgery. However, avoid scrubbing the surgical site for a week and do not submerge it underwater for about two weeks (swimming pools or bathtubs).
The patient will be able to swim about a week after the surgery. It will be helpful to wear jockey-type underwear post-surgery to provide additional support to the scrotum and reduce the swelling.
This procedure helps in restoring the normal blood flow to the scrotum, thereby increasing sperm count and quality, testosterone production, and fertility. The surgery soothes the pain related to varicocele.
Around sixty to eighty per cent improvement is noted in semen analysis results after this procedure. The pregnancy success rates post-surgery vary between thirty and fifty per cent.
The recovery time of this surgery ranges between seven and ten days. That is why doctors usually advise patients to wait for ten to fifteen days before indulging in sexual activities.
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