Varicocele Treatment

Varicocele Treatment A varicocele is a scrotal abnormality defined by elongated, dilated and tortuous veins that drain the testicle (Figure 1). Varicoceles are common, observed in 15% of the general male population, and are presumably an evolutionary consequence of men's upright posture. Most varicoceles (>80%) occur on the left side and the remainder on both sides. They are generally acquired during puberty.

Several theories have been proposed to explain their occurrence, including poorly functioning valves and increased resistance to blood flow where the varicocele veins drain, creating a "dam-like" effect and increasing venous pressure. They do not cause cancer and are not life threatening, but are simply an anatomic consequence of being human.

To learn more about varicoceles and treatment options, please select one of the following topics. If you are ready to schedule a consultation, please request a consultation here.

Varicocele Symptoms
- Most varicoceles are asymptomatic. However, they can be uncomfortable and cause scrotal pain. This pain is generally mild to moderate, occurs with long periods of sitting, standing or activity and is relieved by lying down. Although it can be uncomfortable before bedtime (after a long day of activity), it generally does not occur upon awakening after a night's rest. The pain is dull, congestive ‚"tooth ache" like and generally doesn't refer elsewhere. It is not associated with urination issues or erectile dysfunction; however, it is associated with male infertility. Lastly, when large, a varicocele can cause a clumpy "bag of worms" feel in the scrotum and can be bothersome for this reason as well.
  
  FIGURE 1. VARICOCELE (V) IS THE BLUE SET OF VEINS THAT DRAIN BLOOD FROM THE TESTIS TO THE BODY.
Varicoceles and Male Fertility
- Approximately 35% of men in Dr. Turek's practice who are evaluated for infertility will have a varicocele, a much higher rate than that found in the general population (15%). Over the last 50 years, this had led to the intensive study of the relationship between varicoceles and male infertility. The mechanism by which a varicocele on one side can affect the fertility of both testicles is not clearly understood. What is true is that the temperature of the scrotum is normally several degrees cooler than body temperature, which is important for normal sperm production and testis function. This temperature difference is carefully maintained by the normal anatomy of the scrotum. The dilated veins in a varicocele may decrease the effectiveness of this natural cooling mechanism and "overheat" the testis and reduce its ability to function. Exactly how heat affects sperm production is currently the subject of much male fertility research. However, a leading theory suggests that increased oxidative stress reduces the fertility of varicocele patients. In addition, there is recent data that shows that sperm DNA fragmentation rates, a measure of sperm quality, can be elevated in men with varicoceles and that varicocele repair can significantly lower these rates. In any case, the semen analysis in varicocele patients can show impaired sperm numbers, movement or both.

Varicocele Diagnosis

The "gold standard" way to diagnose varicoceles is by physical examination. With a patient in a standing position, palpation of the scrotum by a well-trained physician can reveal a varicocele. Exercise and prolonged standing may also demonstrate a varicocele. Difficulties palpating a varicocele arise when the scrotal wall is thick or contracted. In addition, benign fat, termed lipoma of the cord, can feel like a variocele. Unlike a varicocele, however, a lipoma will not go away when the patient lies down.

Read about Varicocele Treatment Patient Instructions.

Varicocele diagosis - what a varcocele looks like

A GRADE III VARICOCELE SEEN
AS A BULGES UNDER THE SKIN
ABOVE THE PATIENT'S LEFT TESTICLE.


Subclinical	Varicocele not detected on physical exam; found by radiologic or other imaging study.
Grade I	Varicocele only palpable during or after Valsalva maneuver on physical exam.
Grade II	Varicocele palpable on routine physical exam without the need for Valsalva maneuver.
Grade III	Varicocele visible to the eye and palpable on physical exam.

TABLE 1. VARICOCELE SIZE AND GRADING Varicocele Grading

Varicoceles have been arbitrarily divided into 3 grades based upon physical examination findings (Table 1). Subclinical varicoceles are lesions not detected by routine examination suggested by radiologic or other imaging methods. These lesions are smaller than "clinical" varicoceles and, in Dr. Turek's view, the value of varicocele repair of these lesions is unknown. Grades I-III are considered "clinical" varicoceles, as they are found on physical examination alone. It is these lesions that are repaired for issues of discomfort or infertility.

The diagnosis of varicocele can also be made with venography, ultrasound, thermography, scintigraphy and CAT scan or magnetic resonance imaging. Venography is considered to be the best diagnostic test, but it is invasive, involving catheterization of large leg veins to access this system. Conveniently, venography can be combined with embolization using balloons or coils to treat varicoceles at the same time. Doppler ultrasound is less invasive than, and correlates well with, venography and relies on the detection of venous flow within the varicocele. This is the test that Dr. Turek prefers to have patients do if there is a question about whether or not a patient has varicoceles. Thermography, scintography and MRI or CAT scans are of limited clinical use for varicocele mostly because of increased cost, and lack of controlled studies surrounding their use.

Reasons for Varicocele Repair
- The reasons to fix a varicocele include:
  
  An adolescent has a large varicocele and evidence of a smaller testis on the side of the varicocele.
  - For varicocele-induced scrotal pain
  - For correction of male factor infertility
  It is not uniformly believed that a varicocele repair can increase or improve testosterone levels.

Varicocele Repair Methods Compared

The goal of varicocele treatment is to stop the backward flow of blood from the body to the scrotum, and therefore to "cool off" the testicles. To achieve this, veins leading from the testis to the body are tied off or interrupted as completely as possible. A single vein is left open (vasal vein) that is not subject to the same issues as the varicose veins and allows the blood to leave the testicle after surgery. There are several ways to treat varicoceles. Surgical or incisional methods are performed in the upper scrotum (subinguinal), groin area (inguinal) or lower abdomen (retroperitoneal). The procedure can also be performed with "telescope" surgery (laparoscopy) and also by an intereventional radiologist through a procedure called venography and embolization (Table 2).


Outcome Parameter	Incisional	Laparoscopic	Radiologic

Semen Improvement	66%	50-70%	60%
Pregnancy Rate	35%	12-32%	10-50%
Recurrence	0-5%	10-25%	10%
Technical Failure	Negligible	Small	10-20%
Cost	X	2X	X
Pain pills (average)	3-6	3-6	0-3
Days to Work	3	3	1

TABLE 2. VARICOCELE TREATMENTS: COMPARISON OF OUTCOMES

In general, all approaches give similar results; their differences stem mainly from other issues. For example, the incisional approach has the lowest recurrence rate, because it is performed in the groin or scrotum, where all of the venous "action" is taking place. With the radiologic approach, there is a significant "technical" failure rate as it is sometimes difficult to manipulate catheters through the necessary veins to reach and interrupt the veins of interest. This is especially true for varicoceles on both sides. With laparoscopy, again the varicocele recurrence rate after the procedure is high, because all of the venous "action" occurs in the scrotum and laparoscopy is performed in the abdomen.

Varicocele Treatment In Detail
- The procedure begins with a 2-3 cm skin incision near the junction of the groin and upper scrotum. The spermatic cord is exposed and inspected on either side for external cremasteric veins. If present, these veins are tied off with silk suture.
  
  THE MARKED INCISION SITE
  FOR SUBINGUINAL VARICOCELECTOMY.
  
  The procedure begins with a 2-3 cm skin incision near the junction of the groin and upper scrotum. The spermatic cord is exposed and inspected on either side for external cremasteric veins. If present, these veins are tied off with silk suture. The area around the testis is then inspected for the presence of any exiting veins and these are tied. The operating microscope is brought into the field and the investing layers of the spermatic cord opened.
  
  VEINS WITHIN THE SPERMATIC CORD
  HAVE BEEN TIED OFF MICROSURGICALLY
  
  Microsurgical dissection of the cord is then performed: the artery is visually identified by its pulsations (with the help of a small doppler ultrasound if necessary) and all surrounding veins are tied. Lymphatic vessels are noted and spared to prevent hydrocele formation. At the end, only the vasal veins remain intact to provide venous return from the testis.
  
  The spermatic cord is then returned to its bed and the incision closed in two layers. Steri-strips and a bandage are placed. The patient receives pain pills and is advised to return to work as soon as 3 days after the procedure. It is best to return to work without the need to take narcotic pain pills, as they may cloud judgment. The patient is seen in the office 1-2 weeks later for a quick checkup and then formally assessed for pain or infertility at 3-4 months after the procedure.
  
  Read Varicocele Patient Instructions, Preparing for Varicocele Repair Surgery.

Varicocele Treatment Risks and Complications

Complication rates must also be considered in any decision to have varicoceles treated. The overall complication rates range from 1% for the incisional approach to 4% for laparoscopy and 10% for radiologic methods (including technical failures) (see Table 3). The most significant complication with radiologic occlusion is the chance that the culprit veins cannot be accessed or interrupted (technical failure rate). Although the list of potential complications is long, remember that the chance of having a complication is really quite low.


Treatment	Potential Complications

	Anesthetic	Intraoperative	Postoperative

Incisional Repair	General:	Bleeding	Hematoma
	Hypotension	Arterial ligation	Testis atrophy
(Operative <1%)	Hypoxia	Nerve damage	Hydrocele
	Arrhythmia		Recurrence

Laparoscopic Repair	General (required)	Vascular injury	Unrecognized bowel injury
	Hypotension	Trocar injury (bowel, bladder)
	Hypoxia	Trocar injury (bowel, bladder)	Subcutaneous emphysema
(Operative 4%)	Arrhythmia	Pneumothroax	Subcutaneous emphysema
	CO2 Embolus	Preperitoneal insufflation	Omental evisceration
	Acidosis	Preperitoneal insufflation	Omental evisceration
	Hypercarbia	Failure at attempt	Pneumoscrotum
			DVT
			Recurrence

Radiologic Repair	Local:	Contrast allergy	Hematoma
	Minimal	Vascular injury	Bleeding (arterial) exposure
(Overall 10%)		Radiation	Bleeding (arterial) exposure
		Bleeding from vein perforation	Pulmonary embolus (coil)
		Bleeding from vein perforation	Pulmonary embolus (coil)
		Thrombosis of major veins	Coil migration
		Thrombosis of major veins
		Failure at attempt	Hydrocele
			Recurrence

TABLE 3. VARICOCELE COMPLICATIONS: A COMPARISON OF METHODS

Varicocele Treatment vs. Other Male Fertility Treatment
- Dr. Turek has studied this issue at length and has written and published extensively on this topic. Since randomized, controlled trials have not been done yet to evaluate this issue, several other approaches have been taken to address this issue of how "good" varicocele treatment is compared to assisted reproduction. Research into the cost-benefit analysis of varicocele treatment and assisted reproduction (IVF-ICSI) as first-line treatment for varicocele related male infertility has found that the cost per delivery of a baby using IVF-ICSI is 3-4 times higher than that observed after varicocelectomy ($89,091 vs. $26,268). In cost-benefit studies that compare varicocele treatment to no treatment, IUI and IVF, the cost per live birth is lowest without any treatment ($13,863), next lowest with varicocelectomy followed by IVF if varicocele repair does not result in a pregnancy ($44,562), even higher for IUI-IVF and no varicocele repair ($49,757), and highest for IVF treatment alone ($64,422). Interestingly, since varicocelectomy can "cure" the male infertility problem, but assisted reproduction does not, this study also analyzed the marginal cost for a second live delivery after an initial one. Remarkably, the cost of a second live delivery in the varicocelectomy-first group was equivalent to that for a first delivery ($52,152) but the cost in IUI-IVF group was $561,423. So, cost-benefit studies convincingly demonstrate the value of varicocelectomy instead of assisted reproduction.
  
  Dr. Turek has confirmed the value of varicocele as suggested by cost-benefit studies by using more sophisticated decision analysis modeling. Decision models are constructed with predefined assumptions and serve as useful tools for estimating outcomes when multiple complex medical treatments are available. For his varicocele study, he assigned outcome probabilities based on his outcomes and published outcomes, and costs of interventions were calculated from his own cost data. Sensitivity analyses were applied to determine which elements were most important for varicocele treatment. Then, theoretical subjects were put into different levels of assisted reproduction (IUI vs. IVF-ICSI) based on their semen quality. Varicocelectomy was assigned an overall pregnancy rate of 36.6% and this value was varied with presenting semen quality. Overall, varicocele surgery was found to be more cost effective than IVF. Interestingly, there were some instances in which IUI was more cost-effective than varicocelectomy, depending on the presenting semen quality of the patient. Thus, the clinical characteristics that define the individual couple weigh heavily on whether assisted reproduction or varicocelectomy should be done.
  
  Taking a different analytical approach, Dr. Turek has also examined the value of varicocelectomy from a "shift of care" perspective. The cost of IVF-ICSI is approximately $10,000-$12,000/attempted cycle; however, the cost of IUI is much less expensive at approximately $500-$1200/attempted cycle. What Dr. Turek demonstrated in his study was that roughly 50% of couples that would only be candidates for IVF or IVF-ICSI due to the effects of a varicocele or low semen quality could be "rescued" from the need to undergo assisted reproduction and actually conceive naturally (or with only IUI) after varicocelectomy. In essence, it appears to make good economic sense to repair varicoceles if ART costs are prohibitively expensive for couples.
Why Choose Dr. Turek for Your Varicocele Treatment
- Dr. Turek is a fellowship-trained, internationally known, master microsurgeon and performs 100-150 varicocelectomies annually. He has operated on sultans and sailors, prime ministers and principals. He helped popularize the subinguinal microsurgical approach to varicocele repair in the 1990's and has trained over 50 urology residents, fellows, practicing urologists in this method since then. In addition, many varicocele patients he sees have failed the procedure elsewhere. Because of this experience, his complication rates are extremely low. (View his complete CV)
  
  Dr. Turek's approach to varicocele treatment was chosen based on the need for any such procedure to meet the following criteria:
  - Provide a high likelihood of seeing and treating the culprit veins.
  - Be reliably performed and have minimal risk of failure.
  - Have operative versatility.
  - Be performed with minimal morbidity and complications.
  - Be consistent with cost-containment principles in modern urology.
  With these criteria, Dr. Turek began performing the microscopic subinguinal varicocelectomy, a form of incisional treatment for varicoceles that is performed in an hour or so on a come-and-go basis. Performed with a light general anesthetic along with local anesthesia, this procedure allows visual access to all possible routes of venous return to the testis and accomplishes this task through a small, minimally painful, upper scrotal incision. It avoids the need to open any muscular layers of the abdominal wall (commonly needed for the other incisional approaches) and dramatically shortens recovery time.
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