What are the treatments for varicocele?

Varicocele can be improved through lifestyle adjustments, drug treatment, interventional treatment, surgical treatment, etc. Varicocele may be related to venous valve insufficiency, obstruction of venous return and other factors, and usually manifests as scrotal swelling, pain and other symptoms.

1. Lifestyle adjustment

Avoid standing and sitting for long periods of time, and reduce activities that increase abdominal pressure such as strenuous exercise or heavy manual labor. Applying local cold compress to the scrotum can help relieve swelling and discomfort, and wearing loose and breathable underwear can reduce the pressure on the scrotum. Properly elevate the scrotum position, such as placing a soft pillow between the legs when lying on your side, to promote venous return.

2. Drug treatment

Follow the doctor's advice and use diosmin tablets to improve venous tension and Maizhiling tablets to relieve venous congestion symptoms. When the pain is severe, you can take ibuprofen sustained-release capsules for a short period of time. Medications need to be adjusted in conjunction with lifestyle, and the effects must be reviewed regularly to evaluate the effects. Do not increase or decrease the dose on your own.

3. Interventional treatment

Percutaneous varicocele embolization involves injecting sclerosing agent through a catheter to seal the varicose veins. This method has less trauma and fast recovery, and is suitable for patients with mild varicose veins or postoperative recurrence. After surgery, you need to stay in bed for 24 hours and have your scrotum bandaged with pressure. You should avoid strenuous activities for 1 week.

4. Laparoscopic surgery

Laparoscopic high ligation of the spermatic vein can completely block abnormal reflux. The operation time is about 1 hour, and the postoperative hospital stay is 2-3 days for observation. This surgery has clear vision and few complications, and is suitable for moderate to severe patients or those with infertility.

5. Microscopic surgery

Microscopic spermatic vein ligation can precisely separate and preserve arteries and lymphatic vessels. The postoperative recurrence rate is lower than that of traditional surgery, but it requires professional equipment support. The semen quality needs to be reviewed regularly within 3 months after surgery, and straddling activities should be avoided.

You should maintain a regular daily schedule to avoid constipation and overexertion. Pay attention to supplementing vitamin E and zinc in your diet, such as nuts, deep-sea fish, etc. Low-intensity exercise such as walking can be performed during the postoperative recovery period, and normal activities can be gradually resumed after 3 months. If the scrotum is red, swollen, hot or has persistent pain, you need to see a follow-up consultation in time.