What are the advantages of varicocele embolisation vs varicocele surgery?
Unlike varicocele surgery, embolisation requires no incision, stitches, or general anaesthesia. Further, embolisation patients almost never require overnight admission to the hospital. In addition, several studies have shown that embolisation is just as effective as surgery. Studies have also shown that with embolisation, patients return to full activities in a day or two, but varicocele surgery patients may need to avoid strenuous activity for several days or even weeks. Some complications of varicocele surgery, such as hydrocele (fluid around that testicle) and infection are virtually unheard of after embolisation. Minor complications such as bruising at the catheter site, nausea or low-grade backache may occur after embolisation but are uncommon. Do I need any special tests before surgery? No special preoperative tests are needed before a varicocele repair other than the standard lab tests required by some hospitals. What type of anaesthesia is used? Varicocele repair is performed u
