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    Varicocele

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    shailesh284
    Varicocele is a swelling or lump that surrounds the testicle in the scrotum. It is almost always on the left side (96% of all cases) the cause is a mechanical problem in the drainage of the testicular vein.

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    Varicocele

    Uploaded by

    shailesh284
    231 views1 page
    Varicocele is a swelling or lump that surrounds the testicle in the scrotum. It is almost always on the left side (96% of all cases) the cause is a mechanical problem in the drainage of the testicular vein.

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    Varicocele is a swelling or lump that surrounds the testicle in the scrotum. It is almost always on the left side (96% of all cases) the cause is a mechanical problem in the drainage of the testicular vein.

    Copyright:

    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
    Download as pdf or txt
    231 views1 page

    Varicocele

    Uploaded by

    shailesh284
    Varicocele is a swelling or lump that surrounds the testicle in the scrotum. It is almost always on the left side (96% of all cases) the cause is a mechanical problem in the drainage of the testicular vein.

    Copyright:

    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
    Download as pdf or txt
    of 1

    PATIENT INFORMATION

    AUTHOR: PROFESSOR JOHN MURTAGH


    Varicocele
    What is a varicocele?
    A varicocele is a swelling or lump that
    surrounds the testicle in the scrotum. It is
    almost always on the left side (96% of all
    cases).
    It is due to a knot of varicose veins similar
    to varicose veins in the legs. The vein that
    drains the testicle becomes abnormally dis-
    tended with pooled blood.
    What are the symptoms and signs?
    The patient is aware of a lump, especially
    when standing, but notices that the swelling
    usually disappears when lying down.
    The degree of discomfort or pain varies
    considerably from one person to another.
    There may be no discomfort, but others expe-
    rience a most uncomfortable dragging pain,
    especially in hot weather or after exercise.
    The lump, which may have a bluish
    appearance through the skin, is soft to feel,
    like a bunch of grapes or a bag of worms.
    Investigations are usually not necessary but
    sometimes an ultrasound may be ordered if
    there is any doubt about the diagnosis.
    Who usually gets a varicocele?
    It is usually first noticed in males between
    puberty and the age of 35, especially in late
    adolescence. Any male can be affected,
    although it is seen more frequently in tall,
    thin men, especially those from hot climates.
    Varicoceles are common and found in
    about 8% of the adult male population.
    What is the cause?
    The cause is a mechanical problem in the
    drainage of the testicular vein into the renal
    vein of the kidney. A faulty valve in the tes-
    ticular vein leads to back pressure in the
    system and thus swollen varicose veins
    around the testicle.
    There is no known reason why some men
    get it, although there is a tendency for varic-
    oceles to run in families.
    What is the risk?
    A primary varicocele is basically a rela-
    tively minor problem without serious con-
    sequences. However, in some men the dis-
    comfort is such that surgical treatment is
    required others can live with a very mild
    discomfort. Varicoceles are thought to be
    associated with decreased fertility although
    this has not been proved absolutely.
    What is the treatment?
    No treatment is necessary if the varicocele
    is causing no discomfort.
    For mild discomfort and swelling, the
    patient can wear firm-fitting underpants or
    a jockstrap. Keep in mind that the discomfort
    and swelling tends to disappear when lying
    down.
    Surgical treatment?
    Surgery is usually recommended if the
    varicocele is causing significant discomfort,
    or is associated with a reduced size of the
    left testicle or with infertility.
    The operation is a straightforward but del-
    icate procedure in which the vein draining
    the varicose veins is ligated. This causes the
    veins to collapse without affecting the testi-
    cles function. Results from surgery are very
    good, with at least an 80% success rate.
    Copyright of Professor John Murtagh and Australian Doctor. This patient handout may be photocopied or printed out by a doctor free of charge for patient information purposes.
    Vein ligated
    at this level
    Kidney
    Renal vein
    Normal
    direction of
    flow
    Testicular vein
    Varicocele
    Scrotum
    Spermatic cord
    Testicle
    Swollen varicose
    veins of varicocele
    Backflow

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