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Varicocele Surgery
Restoring Male Reproductive Health
At Aktif International Hospitals, we understand the impact that varicoceles can have on male fertility and overall well-being. That’s why we offer advanced surgical treatments to address varicoceles and help restore male reproductive health. Our experienced urologists are dedicated to providing personalized care and tailored treatment plans to ensure the best possible outcomes for our patients.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Varicocele?
A varicocele is a condition characterized by the enlargement of the veins within the scrotum, similar to varicose veins that occur in the legs. Varicoceles are most commonly found on the left side of the scrotum but can sometimes affect both sides. This condition can lead to impaired sperm production and quality, potentially resulting in male infertility.
What Causes Varicoceles?
The exact cause of varicoceles is not fully understood, but they are believed to develop when the valves within the spermatic veins fail to function properly, causing blood to pool and the veins to enlarge. Varicoceles are more common in males between the ages of 15 and 25 and often develop during puberty.
What are the Symptoms of Varicoceles?
Varicoceles may not cause any symptoms in some individuals and are often discovered during routine physical examinations or fertility evaluations. However, some men may experience symptoms such as:
- Visible or palpable swelling in the scrotum (often described as a “bag of worms”)
- Dull, aching pain or discomfort in the scrotum, especially after physical activity or prolonged standing
- Testicular atrophy (shrinkage) on the affected side
- Decreased fertility or difficulty conceiving with a partner
How is Varicocele Surgery Performed?
Varicocele surgery, also known as varicocelectomy, aims to ligate or block the affected veins to improve blood flow and reduce pressure within the scrotum. The surgical procedure may be performed using one of the following techniques:
Open Surgery: In traditional open varicocelectomy, a small incision is made in the groin or lower abdomen, allowing the surgeon to access and ligate the enlarged veins directly.
Laparoscopic Surgery: Laparoscopic varicocelectomy involves making several small incisions in the abdomen through which specialized instruments and a tiny camera (laparoscope) are inserted to visualize and ligate the varicocele veins.
Microsurgical Varicocelectomy: This advanced technique utilizes a high-powered operating microscope to magnify and precisely dissect the spermatic cord, enabling the surgeon to identify and ligate the varicocele veins while preserving surrounding structures.
The choice of surgical approach depends on factors such as the severity of the varicocele, patient preference, and the surgeon’s expertise.
What are the Benefits of Varicocele Surgery?
Varicocele surgery can offer several potential benefits, including:
- Improved sperm count, motility, and morphology
- Increased chances of natural conception for couples struggling with male infertility
- Alleviation of scrotal pain or discomfort
- Prevention of testicular atrophy and further deterioration of fertility
Varicocele surgery is a safe and effective treatment option for men with varicoceles who are experiencing infertility or discomfort. At Aktif International Hospitals, our dedicated team of urologists specializes in performing varicocele surgeries using the latest techniques to optimize outcomes and restore male reproductive health. If you have concerns about varicoceles or would like to schedule a consultation, please contact us. We’re here to help you on your journey to parenthood and improved fertility.
Author: Ahmet Küçükyangöz