Varicocele (Varicosity of Testicles) Operation

 

Increased varicosity and venous congestion around the testicles is called Varicocele which might be the cause for increase of the testicle's temperature and therefore may affect the function of the testicles, sperm production and quality. The body temperature is about 37C but the testicles are place outside the body at a 35C, this is like AC. The Scrotum around the testicle is also another mechanism to keep the right temperature for the testicles, so if the weather is cold the scroutum will shrink and become thick to keep the temperature. In the summer when it is hot, the scrotum will become like a thin sac to cool the testicles.

Some doctors will advise infertile male patients to have cold showers to the testicles and avoid wearing tight cloths and jeans. Varicosity can be unilateral (on one side) or bilateral (on both sides).

So in cases of male infertility or sub-fertility, Varicocele has to be considered as a possible underlying cause.

Diagnosis is easy, by medical examination and Ultra Sound Scanning. Surgical treatment is usually recommended. This is an operation which is performed under general anaesthetic as a day case. Patient can go home the same day.

The surgical incision is usually about 5-6 cm (2 in") on each groin and stitches are usually buried under the skin and dissolvable. Patients should expect some swelling to testicle for a month or so and possible bruising for some days. Patients should be able to resume full activity after about 1-2 weeks.

Fertility improvement should be expected after 3-6 moths and fertility drugs might be prescribed to speed things up.