Varicocele (varicose vein of the scrotum)

Varicocele is a varicose vein of the scrotum. The outflow of blood from the scrotum is impaired. This leads to a widening of the blood vessels because the blood accumulates there. It usually occurs in adolescents or young adults. It is more common on the left than the right.

The cause is thought to be a weakness in the wall of the blood vessels or a restricted outflow into the blood vessels of the abdominal cavity. It is not clear to what extent the varicocele damages the testicles.

A varicocele usually causes no symptoms. However, it can sometimes be characterised by swelling, a feeling of tightness or dull, pulling pain in the Testicles become noticeable.

Varicocele is discovered during a physical examination. An ultrasound of the inguinal region, scrotum and abdominal cavity is performed to better assess and measure the testicles and to rule out an underlying cause in the abdominal cavity.

If the varicocele does not cause any symptoms and the testicle on the affected side continues to grow normally, no treatment is required. If there are symptoms or if the affected testicle grows more slowly than the unaffected testicle, surgery should be performed. There are various surgical techniques. At the UKBB, the blood vessel into which the blood from the varicocele drains is closed so that the blood drains into other blood vessels that can function normally and adapt. This operation is minimally invasive, i.e. performed using the keyhole technique.

The operation can be performed on an outpatient basis, i.e. without an overnight stay in hospital.

The operation usually proceeds without complications.