Are there potential complications from a varicocele repair?
Surgical complications are very rare, particularly with a subinguinal microsurgical approach. These complications are similar to other surgical procedures and include bleeding, infection and pain. Damage to the testicular artery is theoretically possible but the likelihood is minimized by using an operating microscope, identifying and preserving the testicular artery. Hydroceles (fluid around the testicle) can occur if the lymphatics are tied off. These structures can be identified and preserved with the operating microscope. You should always talk to your surgeon about the risks involved prior to undergoing a surgery. Risks of embolization include injury to the vein that is accessed in the neck or the groin, heart arrhythmias during the procedure, injury to the abdominal and chest veins traversed during the procedure and migration of the substance used to block off the testicular vein.
