Varicocele embolisation in London
Varicocele embolisation is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat varicoceles, which are enlarged veins within the scrotum. Varicoceles can cause discomfort, pain, and even fertility issues in some cases.
The procedure is carried out by a specialist interventional radiologist as a local anaesthetic, minimally invasive technique.
During the embolisation procedure, a radiologist inserts a thin catheter into a vein, usually in the neck area, and guides it to the varicocele. A technique is used to put 1-2 small platinum coils sandwiching a foam solution within the vein as it drains into the abdomen. This blocks off the blood flow to the enlarged vein, causing the varicocele to shrink, relieving symptoms and potentially improving fertility.
This technique is Pippa Sangster’s first line preference over surgical methods because it typically involves less pain, a shorter recovery time, and fewer complications.