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Varicocele Embolisation Sydney

$280 consult fee (with Medicare rebate and GP referral)
endovascular procedures
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transformed patients
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4 major hospitals
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Less Invasive Procedure: Advanced Treatment for Lasting Relief

Discover relief from the symptoms of varicocele, such as pain and swelling in the scrotum through the less invasive procedure with Dr McConnell.

Take the first step towards proper care and contact Vein Doctors Sydney for your consultation today.

What is Varicocele Embolisation?

This is a less invasive procedure that is used to block the veins that drain the varicocele in the scrotum. It is performed using ultrasound and low-dose x-ray guidance, and is typically performed as a day only procedure.

A varicocele is an abnormal enlargement of veins within the scrotum. It results from poor venous drainage and reflux within the veins draining the testicle. This can cause the veins within the scrotum to swell and bulge.

varicocele embolisation
varicocele embolisation

Varicocele embolisation is a procedure that usually takes about 1 hour, and most patients are able to go home the same day and rest.

Understanding Varicocele Embolisation Procedure

During the procedure, a small, hollow tube (catheter) is inserted into a vein in the neck or groin. The catheter is then guided to the testicular vein, which drain from the scrotum. The affected vein is then blocked with coils or liquid (sclerosant), which prevents blood from flowing back into the varicocele. This causes the varicocele to shrink and eventually disappear.

The procedure typically takes about 1 hour, and most patients are able to go home the same day. After the procedure, patients may experience some mild back pain. This can be managed with mild analgesia and usually resolves within a week.

Am I A Candidate?

There are two main types of treatment for varicoceles: more invasive surgical techniques and less invasive procedures, such as embolisation. Surgery involves cutting the veins that are causing the varicocele, while embolisation involves blocking the blood vessels with coils or other materials.

Many men who are diagnosed with a varicocele do not need treatment, as it often does not cause any symptoms. However, if you experience pain or discomfort, or if you are having trouble conceiving a child, then treatment may be an option.

Discussing your case with a GP or an interventional radiologist will help explore your treatment options. If you have recently been diagnosed with a varicocele, you can book a consultation with Dr McConnell and he will discuss your treatment options with you.

What are the Risks and Benefits of Varicocele Embolisation?

This is generally considered a safer procedure with its own benefits and risks. However, as with any medical procedure, there are some potential benefits and risks which your doctor will explain in detail during your consultation.

Here are some benefits of having a Varicocele Embolisation:

  • Faster recovery time – typically 1-2 days for embolisation compared with 2-3 weeks for surgery.
  • Non-invasive procedure, no surgical incision needed.
  • Comparable effectiveness to surgery in treating varicoceles.

While rare, some potential complications or risks associated with varicocele embolisation include:

  • Infection: The risk of infection is less than 1 in 1000 cases.
  • Lower back pain and nausea: Some individuals may experience temporary lower back pain or nausea following the procedure.
  • Migration of the blocking agent: There is a small risk of the blocking agent used during embolisation moving from its intended location.
  • Minimal risk of bleeding: In rare instances, there may be minimal bleeding at the site of the embolisation.
  • Allergic reaction: Although uncommon, some individuals may have an allergic reaction to the contrast material used during the procedure.

Recovering from Varicocele Embolisation

Recovery time is potentially shorter. After the procedure, you will be taken back to the ward for 4 hours of bed rest and observation. You will be able to eat and drink as soon as you are awake.

Here are some post-surgery recovery tips for you:

  • You will need to arrange for someone to pick you up as you will not be able to drive yourself home after sedation.
  • You should avoid heavy lifting for about 1 week.
  • You should also avoid sexual activity for 2 weeks after your procedure.
  • Depending on your job, you may be able to return to work the next day.

You may experience mild discomfort in your back and abdominal area for up to 1 week after your procedure.

varicocele embolisation

You should be able to resume most normal activities of daily living within 24 hours. Avoid heavy lifting or strenuous exercise for one week following this procedure.

How Much Does Varicocele Embolisation Cost?

  • The cost of varicocele treatment is dependent on the specific type of treatment recommended for your individual condition.

    After an initial consultation, we can provide detailed costing of the treatment, and if any Medicare rebates apply.

    Please contact us for more information on costs.

Meet Our Doctor

Dr Ryan McConnell

MED0001793938 
BMBS, FRANZCR, CCINR

Dr McConnell is an Australian-trained Interventional Neuroradiologist, possessing extensive experience in less invasive procedures.

Annually, he performs more than 500 endovascular procedures. His medical education began at Flinders University, where he earned a Bachelor of Medicine and a Bachelor of Surgery.

He completed specialty training in Radiology at Royal North Shore Hospital, followed by a Fellowship in Interventional Radiology and a two-year Fellowship in Neurointervention, for which he was awarded CCINR accreditation.

Dr McConnell holds consultant visiting medical officer positions at Northern Beaches Hospital, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital and Nepean Private Hospital. He remains actively involved in medical student/registrar teaching and research.

How to schedule a consultation

For more information on our services and the cost of each service, or to schedule a consultation at our clinic, please contact us at one of the following:

Dr. Ryan McConnell

Our Vein Clinics Locations in Sydney

Vein Doctors Sydney Manly

Suite 503, 39 East Esplanade, Manly NSW 2095

Our Open Hours:
8:30 am – 5 pm
Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday

Vein Doctors Sydney St Leonards

North Shore Health Hub - Ground Floor, Rockwell Medical Centre, 7 Westbourne Street, St Leonards 2065

Our Open Hours:
8:30am – 5pm
Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday

Vein Doctors Sydney Kingswood

Nepean Private Specialist Centre, Suite 3, 1A Barber Avenue, Kingswood 2747

Our Open Hours:
8:30 am – 5 pm
Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday

FAQs

If you require more information on varicocele treatment, please read our most frequently asked questions:

In many cases, treatment for varicoceles is not necessary as they typically don’t cause symptoms. However, treatment may be recommended if fertility concerns arise or if you experience pain or discomfort. Medication is not effective in treating varicoceles, and prevention measures are not available.

Both surgery and embolisation are potential treatment options for varicoceles. It is important to consult with your doctor to determine the most appropriate treatment for your specific condition and needs.

The embolisation procedure will be performed in the hospital as a day-only procedure. Dr Ryan McConnell has private hospital appointments at Nepean Private Hospital and Northern Beaches Hospital. He also has public hospital appointments at Nepean Hospital and Royal Prince Alfred Hospital.

You will need to fast for 6 hours prior to your procedure. Take your regular medications as normal with a sip of water.

A follow-up consultation will take place after 2 weeks to assess your recovery and confirm the success of the procedure. Dr McConnell will see you in his clinic 6 weeks post-procedure.

Embolisation is nearly always successful in treating the varicocele, but it is important to note that there is a small chance of varicocele recurrence in some cases.

However, most individuals who undergo this procedure experience a permanent improvement in their symptoms and do not require further treatment.

Regular follow-up appointments with your doctor will help monitor your condition and ensure the effectiveness of the embolisation procedure.

Varicocele surgery and varicocele embolisation are two treatment options for varicoceles.

Surgery involves making an incision to ligate the affected veins, while embolisation uses a minimally invasive approach to block the veins using coils or other agents.

Surgery requires a longer recovery and may result in scarring, while embolisation has a shorter recovery time and minimal scarring. Both options have their benefits and should be discussed with your doctor to determine the most suitable treatment.

This information is not intended to be used for diagnosis or treatment. It is aimed at presenting a perspective only and is not a substitute for a prescription. Anyone experiencing a medical condition should consult their doctor.

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