Varicocele Surgery - High Success Rate

The diagnosis of varicocele typically involves a combination of a medical history review, physical examination, and sometimes additional diagnostic tests. Here is an overview of the diagnostic process to identify the severity and determine the best approach for varicocele surgery:

• Medical History: The doctor will begin by discussing the symptoms and medical history before attempting the surgery for varicocele. He/she may ask about any pain, discomfort, or fertility concerns that are exhibited by the patient.
• Physical Examination: A physical examination is a crucial step in diagnosing varicocele. The doctor will perform a thorough examination, including inspecting and palpating the scrotum while you are standing. He/she will look for enlarged or twisted veins and assess the size and consistency of the testicles. Typically, varicoceles can be felt as a mass of dilated veins above the testicle, often described as feeling like a “bag of worms.”
• Valsalva Maneuver: A Valsalva Maneuver is a breathing technique during which the doctor asks the patient to stand and breathe out through the mouth while holding the nose shut. The patient is asked to take deep breaths while the doctor holds the testicle in his/her palm and feels the scrotum. It helps to find enlarged veins in the scrotum.

In some cases, the doctor may recommend additional tests to confirm the diagnosis and evaluate the severity of the varicocele.

• Scrotal Ultrasound: This imaging test uses sound waves to create a detailed image of the scrotum and its structures. It can help visualize the dilated veins, assess blood flow, and rule out other conditions that may cause similar symptoms.
• Doppler Ultrasound: It is a specialized type of ultrasound that evaluates blood flow before the surgery for varicocele. It can provide information about the direction and speed of blood flow in the veins, helping to determine the severity of the varicocele.
• Semen Analysis (if fertility concerns exist): If the patient is experiencing fertility issues, the doctor may recommend a semen analysis. This test assesses various parameters of sperm health, such as sperm count, motility, and morphology. While varicoceles can potentially affect fertility, not all men with varicoceles experience infertility.

Based on the findings from the medical history, physical examination, and any additional tests, your doctor will be able to confirm the diagnosis.