A varicocele is an abnormal dilation of the veins of the spermatic cord in the scrotum. Varicoceles develop over time and may go undiagnosed for a long period of time due to no or only mild symptoms of a heavy filling in the scrotum. Varicocele is a common cause of low sperm production, resulting in infertility and testicular shrinkage. Fortunately most varicoceles are easy to diagnose (self-palpation of a “sack full of worms”, physical examination by your doctor, and other imaging studies such as an ultra sound) and are easily treated by Varicocele Repair Surgery.
Varicocelectomy or Varicocele Repair Surgery is by far the most commonly performed operation for the treatment of male infertility. In Varicocele Repair Surgery, the goal of treatment of the varicocele is to stop the venous blood accumulation in the testicle to prevent increased pressure and heat to the testicle, which could damage its structure and the sperm vitality.
The repair of varicocele by Varicocele Repair Surgery prevents further damage to the testicular function, and in a large percentage of men, results in improved sperm quality and numbers. Dr. Elist, as your preferred and trusted Beverly Hills urologist, has a potentially important role in preventing future infertility by using a varicocelectomy (Varicocele Repair Surgery) technique that minimizes the risk of complications and recurrence.
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To perform Varicocele Repair Surgery, Dr. Elist ligates the spermatic veins and/or excises a varicocele. An incision is made in the pubic area on the affected side and carried down to the spermatic cord as passes through the inguinal canal. The cord is brought up into the incision and the structures of the cord are dissected, the veins identified, and ligated with suture material. Alternately, an incision is made in the scrotum and the dilated veins ligated separately may be removed. The operative incision is closed in layers by suturing. Another possible route is an abdominal approach which is done by in casing the lateral lower abdomen just medial to the bony prominence of the pelvic bone on the affected side and carried down through the abdominal musculature to the spermatic vein and artery.
If an inguinal hernia is present, Dr. Elist also repairs an inguinal hernia during Varicocele Repair Surgery by folding and suturing of tissues to strengthen the abdominal wall and correct the weakness responsible for to hernia.
