Varicocele embolization
Occlusion of the dilated spermatic vein to treat symptomatic varicocele or associated infertility.
The information below is provided for general educational purposes only. It describes the procedure in general terms and may not apply to your specific situation. Only your interventional radiologist can provide you with personalized information adapted to your case.
What does this intervention involve?
Background and indications
Varicocele is a dilation of the spermatic cord veins (comparable to varicose veins), present in approximately 15% of men. It can cause testicular pain, discomfort and impaired fertility. Embolization is offered for symptomatic varicocele or associated infertility.
Benefits
Minimally invasive outpatient procedure, no scrotal incision, very fast recovery (1-2 days), success rate comparable to surgery (85-95%).
Procedure
Under local anesthesia, a catheter is introduced via the jugular or femoral vein and guided to the spermatic vein. Coils and/or a sclerosing agent are used to close the dilated vein. The procedure lasts approximately 30 minutes to 1 hour.
Risks
Recurrence (5-10%), puncture site pain, phlebitis, contrast reaction. Coil migration (exceptional).
Recovery and follow-up
Same-day discharge. Normal activities resume in 24-48 hours. Follow-up ultrasound at 3 months. For infertility, sperm analysis at 3-6 months.
Practical information
Local anesthesia. Outpatient procedure (return home the same day).
This information does not replace a medical consultation. Each procedure is adapted to the patient's individual situation. Your doctor will explain the specific details, expected benefits and potential risks during your consultation.
Doctors and centers/departments performing this intervention
18 doctors
Centre Hospitalier de Saint-Quentin
Centre hospitalierSaint-Quentin
CHU Helora Site Jolimont
CHU (Centre Hospitalier Universitaire)La Louvière
Dr Frederic COHEN
Radiologue interventionnelAubagne, Marseille
Dr Alexia DABADIE
Radiologue interventionnelDr Arthur DAVID
Radiologue interventionnelNantes
Dr Vincent DUROUS
Radiologue interventionnelAnnecy, Argonay, Épagny
EMBOLILLE
Clinique privéeLesquin, Lille
Dr Cédric FOUSSIER
Radiologue interventionnelParis
Hôpital Européen Marseille
Clinique privéeMarseille
Dr Quentin LAFERTÉ
Radiologue interventionnelSaint-Quentin
Dr Thibaud LEFORT
Radiologue interventionnelLyon
Dr Lucas MOSCATELLI
Radiologue interventionnelSaint-Paul