What is varicocele repair surgery?
A varicocele (say "VAR-uh-koh-seel") is a large vein that forms in one or both testicles. The blood builds up, or pools. This makes the vein larger than normal. To fix the problem, your doctor ties off the end of the vein so the blood will not pool.
In some men, a varicocele may be related to poor sperm quality. This may make it hard to father a child. The doctor can do one of several types of surgery to improve a man's chance of having children. After the surgery, sperm quality may improve. This may help you father a child. The surgery may also be done to reduce pain in the scrotum.
The doctor may look through a microscope to see better during the surgery. The doctor makes small cuts in your groin. These cuts are called incisions. Or your doctor may choose to use a laparoscope. To do this type of surgery, the doctor puts a lighted tube, or scope, and other surgical tools through small cuts in your belly. The doctor is able to see with the scope. The surgery also can be done through a vein in the leg.
Most men go home a few hours after the surgery. You will probably be able to go back to work or your normal routine in 2 to 3 days. This depends on your job. If your job involves a lot of activity or lifting, it may take a week or more before you can go back to work.
How do you prepare for surgery?
Surgery can be stressful. This information will help you understand what you can expect. And it will help you safely prepare for surgery.
Preparing for surgery
- Be sure you have someone to take you home. Anesthesia and pain medicine will make it unsafe for you to drive or get home on your own.
- Understand exactly what surgery is planned, along with the risks, benefits, and other options.
- If you take a medicine that prevents blood clots, your doctor may tell you to stop taking it before your surgery. Or your doctor may tell you to keep taking it. (These medicines include aspirin and other blood thinners.) Make sure that you understand exactly what your doctor wants you to do.
- Tell your doctor ALL the medicines and natural health products you take. Some may increase the risk of problems during your surgery. Your doctor will tell you if you should stop taking any of them before the surgery and how soon to do it.
- Make sure your doctor and the hospital have a copy of your advance care plan. If you don't have one, you may want to prepare one. It lets others know your health care wishes. It's a good thing to have before any type of surgery or procedure.
Where can you learn more?
Go to https://www.healthwise.net/patientEd
Enter J177 in the search box to learn more about "Varicocele Repair: Before Your Surgery".