Things to keep in mind when treating varicocele

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A varicocele is an abnormally enlarged and elongated vein in the varicocele above the testicle. People with varicocele may have reduced sperm quantity and quality, increasing the risk of infertility.

1. Brief information about varicocele

Varicocele is a problem in 8-16% of men and accounts for about 20-40% of infertile men. This condition occurs when blood from the veins flows backward (instead of toward the heart) because the seminal veins are compressed by other agents or because the valves in the veins are damaged.
Patients with varicocele often have no obvious symptoms, mainly have mild pain or a feeling of heaviness in the scrotum, more pain in the evening, after sitting a lot, standing for a long time or doing heavy work. If the varicocele is large, the patient may notice a bulge in the upper corner of the scrotum. This phenomenon occurs due to enlarged veins floating under the skin.
Varicose veins can cause male infertility. The reason is that this condition causes more blood to pool in the testicles, increases the temperature in the scrotum (about 0.6 - 0.8°C higher than normal), affects sperm production, Reduces sperm count and quality, easily leading to infertility.

2. Methods of treatment of varicose veins

After being diagnosed with varicocele, the patient will be indicated for further monitoring. During follow-up, if the veins are not dilated, have no symptoms of discomfort and do not affect reproductive function, the patient does not need treatment.
In case the patient has pain, the varicocele is enlarged, unsightly or the testicles atrophy, there are abnormalities in the semen chart, ... the doctor will prescribe surgical treatment. During surgery, the doctor will put the patient to sleep and relieve the pain by numbing the stump or local anesthetic. Then, the doctor performs ligation and cuts the dysfunctional varicose veins.

There are many treatment methods for varicose veins such as: conventional surgery, laparoscopic surgery, microsurgery,... In which, microsurgery (microscopic surgery) Widely applied because of its high efficiency and few complications. This is a minimally invasive surgical method, so the incision on the patient's skin will be very small. The surgery usually lasts about 1 hour and after surgery, the patient can return to normal very quickly, without any problems in daily life. Patients can be discharged the same day or the next day.

3. Note when treating varicocele

Here are some important notes that varicocele patients and their relatives need to pay attention to when performing treatment:
3.1. Before surgery Within 10 days before surgery, the patient should not use aspirin-type drugs such as ibuprofen or naproxen. This is a group of drugs used to reduce fever and pain. These drugs can cause bleeding that is difficult to control during and after surgery. In cases where it is imperative to take these medications, patients and family members should consult a doctor.

3.2. After surgery Within 24 hours after surgery, the patient is not allowed to do vigorous exercise, only light activities and eat light food because other solid foods can cause bloating and indigestion.
Common symptoms after surgery
Discomfort in the scrotum: the scrotum feels tight, the scrotal skin may turn red or bruised, the scrotum on one side is swollen and bigger than the other. These symptoms are completely normal because part of the vein has been constricted or cut, restricting blood flow from the testicles back to the heart. Usually, these symptoms only last up to a month after surgery and will gradually disappear. To limit swelling and pain in the testicles and scrotum after surgery, the patient should lie still in bed for the first 24 hours, can use cold towels to cool the scrotum for the first 1-2 days. Swelling, redness around or a little fluid in the incision: this symptom will go away after a few days, the caregiver should pay attention to change the wound dressing regularly for the patient. Patients undergoing varicocele surgery who require endotracheal anesthesia may experience sore throat, vomiting, constipation, body aches,... These symptoms will disappear after about 48 hours. Caring for patients after surgery

After surgery 2-3 hours can give the patient food. However, caregivers should consult medical staff about giving the patient anything to eat or drink. Patients should start eating soft, liquid foods such as porridge, milk, and then gradually eat more solid foods. Patients are usually given anal or oral pain relievers after surgery. On the second day after surgery, the patient does not need to restrict any food and drink and can return to normal activities. From the 3rd day after surgery, the patient can take a bath. When bathing, you can still leave a gauze bandage, after bathing, you should change another gauze bandage. Within the first month after surgery, patients with varicocele should not do sports that require high physical strength. Note: within 2 weeks after varicocele surgery, if the patient has symptoms such as fever, convulsions, nausea or vomiting, rash, itching, rash, painful incision, swelling, redness, bleeding or bleeding a lot, ... the caregiver should immediately notify the doctor for timely treatment measures.

Where to treat varicose veins?

Patients should go to reputable hospitals for examination, accurate diagnosis and active and effective treatment plan, minimizing the risk of complications.
As the leading specialty at Vinmec Central Park International Hospital, the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology brings together a team of doctors and nurses who have not only high professional experience but also understanding and close attention to psychological state of each patient.

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