Varicocele Repair in Las Vegas, Nevada (NV)
What is a Varicocele?
A varicocele is
mass of enlarged, twisted blood vessels that occur in the spermatic cord, a
scrotal structure comprised of blood vessels, nerves and the duct that
transports sperm from the testicles to the vas deferens. As with any other
other blood vessel, blood vessels in the scrotum are lined with tiny valves
that control the flow of blood. If these tiny valves fail, the flow of blood is
disrupted and causes swelling in the vessels. These valves can malfunction as
the result of several reasons, including congenital defects or conditions;
trauma or injury; or pressure from surrounding organs and structures which can
cause blood vessels to compress, placing additional pressure on the valves and
causing them to malfunction.
Appearance wise, this
condition is clinically likened to a bag of worms. Though alarming, some
varicoceles are asymptomatic and do not prompt any concern. However, some
individuals may experience pain, aching and heaviness as a direct result of the
varicocele and in a few rare cases, atrophy. A more common occurrence with
varicocele is male infertility. Although the direct relationship between varicocele and male
infertility has not been clearly defined, clinicians believe infertility occurs
as blood circulation slows, allowing the sperm to become overheated in the
spermatic cord, resulting in sperm death.
Who is Likely
Affected?
Roughly 10 to 20
percent of all men develop a varicocele, with the condition developing most
often around puberty. In other cases, varicoceles may develop a later in life
as a result of vascular disease.
The process involved
in the development of a varicocele is very similar to that which occurs with
varicose veins in other areas of the body. These bulging,
twisted veins also occur as a
result of malfunctioning valves within the vessel’s internal structure.
Treatment Options
for Varicoceles
Varicoceles can be treated
through several approaches; however the most common approach is varicocelectomy. This is an outpatient surgical procedure that
involves your specialist making a small incision in the groin or abdomen to
remove the varicocele. The procedure takes about an hour to perform and
typically beckons up to a week of recovery time. Strenuous lifting and exercise
is prohibited for an additional seven to 10 days.
Newer techniques,
including embolization and laparoscopy, are less invasive and focus on
preventing blood flow within the compromised vessels, either by creating an
intentional obstruction or by tying off the varicocele. By preventing blood
flow, the compromised vessel can eventually atrophy. Both embolization and
laparoscopy are less invasive than varicocelectomy, and both are associated
with only a few days of recovery time. However, these techniques are also
associated with a higher risk of recurrence of the varicocele.
Each technique will
require use of icepacks during the initial 24 hours following surgery to reduce
swelling and improve healing. You may also be given a special support garment
to wear during recovery and healing.
What are the risks
associated with treatment?
Generally speaking,
the risks of varicocele treatments are the same as with any other type of
surgery, and include potential infection, as well as bruising, swelling and
discoloration. About five to 20 percent of men who receive treatment experience
a recurrence of varicocele, with embolization and laparoscopy generally
associated with higher rates of recurrence. When varicocele does recur,
embolization and laparoscopy are the techniques most often used to correct the
recurrence.
Consult a doctor in
your area to schedule an appointment for this treatment today!
About Dr. Eddy Hsinih Luh , MD
Vascular Surgery in Vegas
Are you needing Vascular Surgery in Vegas? Our Vascular Surgeons specialize in vascular diseases including Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms (AAA), Carotid Artery Disease – Stroke, Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD), Trans Carotid Artery Revascularization (TCAR) and Advanced Vein Treatments (Venous Disease) in the Las Vegas area
Featured Specialist for Varicocele Repair in Las Vegas, NV
Dr. Eddy Hsinih Luh , MD
Vegas Vascular Specialists
Call Now: (702) 983-1218
8930 West Sunset Rd Ste 250Las Vegas, NV 89148
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