Varicocelectomy: Procedure, Benefits & Recovery

Varicocelectomy is done for the following reasons:

1. Varicocele refers to the condition in which veins inside the scrotum become enlarged or swollen; the affected area may feel like a bag of worms. 
2. Because the blood cannot efficiently return through these veins, it accumulates in the scrotum. This accumulated blood interferes with sperm production and may decrease sperm count, ultimately causing infertility.
3. Currently, there are no medications to cure varicoceles completely. Hence, the doctor usually recommends varicocelectomy to correct 

Varicocelectomy

A varicocele may cause poor development of a testicle, low sperm production or other problems that may lead to infertility.

Varicocelectomy procedure helps

1. Increase fertility by restoring blood flow to your scrotum, which can result in increased sperm and testosterone production(Your doctor will perform a semen analysis to see how much your fertility improves.)
2. Varicocelectomy often results in a 60–80 per cent improvement in semen analysis results.

Untreated varicoceles can cause problems like:

1. Varicoceles might increase the local temperature in or around the affected testicle(s) and affect the formation, movement, and function of the sperms. This might make it difficult for your partner to conceive.
2. Additionally, you might also experience the shrinkage of the affected testicle.
3. The actual reason behind the shirking is not apparent. However, the malfunctioning valves of the veins cause the accumulation of blood in the veins, leading to testicular atrophy (shrinkage).
4. Some experts believe that blocked and enlarged veins around the testes, called varicoceles, cause infertility by raising the temperature in the scrotum and decreasing sperm production.

Three approaches can be used to perform varicocelectomy:

• Inguinal (groin)
• Retroperitoneal (abdominal)
• Infrainguinal/sublingual (below the groin).

Your surgeon can use the following four methods listed in the Table to perform varicocelectomy. The technique used will depend on your surgeon and your condition.

The recovery process in the hospital:

You are likely to be discharged from the hospital the same day if you undergo microsurgery.

The recovery process at home:

1. While you are at home after the surgery, you might need someone to help you during your recovery process.[8] You need to take care of the following during your recovery period:
2. Diet:
3. You can have a normal diet from the first post-operative day.
4. Wound care:
5. Your surgeon will advise you to wear scrotal support (jockstrap) and apply a cold pack to the area to reduce swelling.
6. You will be able to take a bath unless your surgeon has advised you not to bathe.
7. Work, activity, restrictions:
8. For the first 24 hours, you should lie down and rest as much as possible. This will help you recover.
9. Try to walk every day and slowly increase the time spent walking.
10. You can engage in a moderate activity if you wish; however, you should stop it if the exercise causes pain. 
11. Avoid strenuous activities like weightlifting, jogging, and bicycle riding for about three weeks after the surgery. Avoid lifting weights more than 4.5 kilograms.
12. Avoid sexual activities for at least two weeks after surgery.
13. Constipation is normal after surgery. Do not strain while passing faeces. If you are constipated for a few days, talk to your surgeon.
14. Avoid driving unless allowed by your surgeon.
15. You can return to work after two to three days post-surgery; however, you will need to wait for a week or more if your job involves lifting weights.
16. First Follow up Appointment

Follow up:

1. After the completion of the surgery, you will have to report to your urologist for an immediate wound evaluation in approximately seven to 10 days.
2. If the surgery were performed to treat infertility, you would have to schedule an appointment for semen analysis three to four months later.

After the  Surgery, you might feel 

1. Slight pain in the groin for about 3- 6 weeks
2. Scrotum would be bruised and swollen( This will go in 3 - 4 Weeks)
3. You would probably be able to return to work after 2 or 3 days after microscopic Surgery