Varicocele embolisation

A varicocele is a swelling of the veins that drain the testicle, most often on the left side. It can cause heaviness or pain in the scrotum and may be associated with reduced sperm quality. Embolisation blocks the faulty vein from the inside, so that blood flows through other, normal veins. The procedure is performed in the catheterisation laboratory under local anaesthesia. A catheter is introduced through a vein in the groin, neck or arm and guided to the testicular vein. This vein is closed with small metal coils and sometimes a sclerosing agent. There is no incision. Embolisation is an alternative to varicocele surgery, with a very quick recovery. It is also useful when a varicocele recurs after surgery. In women, a similar technique treats pelvic varicose veins that cause pelvic pain. At Clinique Pasteur Tunis, the procedure is performed in a latest-generation catheterisation laboratory, in collaboration with the urologists.