What is a varicolectomy?
A varicocelectomy is a surgical procedure that repairs varicoceles in your scrotum. The scrotum is the pouch of skin behind the penis. It typically contains the testes (testicles). If you have varicoceles, the veins inside your scrotum are larger than they should be.
What are varicoceles?
A varicocele is an enlargement of the veins within the loose bag of skin that holds the testicles (scrotum). These veins transport oxygen-depleted blood from the testicles. A varicocele occurs when blood pools in the veins rather than circulating efficiently out of the scrotum.
Varicoceles usually form during puberty and develop over time. They may cause some discomfort or pain, but they often result in no symptoms or complications.
Complications of a varicocele
- Low sperm production
- Poor testicular development
- Other issues that lead to infertility
Symptoms
- A dull, aching pain or discomfort, especially when standing
- A visible mass in the scrotum which looks like a bag of worms
- Noticeably different sized testicles
Cause
The exact cause is unknown though some experts believe it to be caused due to poorly functioning valves in the blood vessels of the scrotum which cause the blood to pool up in certain places
Diagnosis
- Physical examination
- Imaging tests like ultrasound
When is a varicolectomy required?
- A testicle that shows delayed development
- Low sperm count or other sperm irregularities (usually only tested in adults)
- Chronic pain not managed by pain medication
What happens before a surgery?
Before the surgery, your doctor will
- Review your medical history to look for any allergies, or blood-related disorders, what medicines you are using and if you have suffered a urinary tract infection in the past
- Explain the procedure, its benefits and its risks to you
- Ask you to shave all the hair away from the area and wash the area with soap and warm water on the day before and on the morning of the surgery
What happens during the procedure?
- You will be given a general anaesthesia
- The surgeon will make a small incision to access the affected veins
- The enlarged veins are carefully identified and separated from the surrounding structures
- The affected veins are then tied off or sealed to stop abnormal blood flow
- Blood is naturally redirected through healthy veins, helping restore normal circulation in the scrotum
- The surgical cuts are then closed up
Duration of the procedure:
Depending upon the type of surgery, this procedure can take up to 3 hours (1-3 hours for open surgery; 30-40 mins for laparoscopic procedures)
What happens after the procedure?
- You will be moved to a recovery room where you will be monitored
- Your groin or abdominal area might have some soreness
- You will usually go home a few hours after the procedure might have some bruising, swelling and pain in the area
- You will be monitored for some time before being sent home
- You will be provided instruction on how to take care of the area
- Apply ice packs to the affected are for up to 10 mins every few hours to decrease the swelling
Benefits of vasecystectomy
- A relative safe procedure with a low risk of complications
- Improved fertility
- Decreased testicular pain
- Improved self-esteem
Risks
- Anaesthesia-related problems
- Healing issues
- Blood clotting
- Swelling and bruising
- Tenderness
- Injury to nearby blood vessels
Recovery time
- Swelling and bruising goes away in 3-4 weeks
- Pain medicines might be given to manage pain
- Avopid strenuous exercises
- Avoid sexual activity for at least a week after the procedure
- Return to work normally takes 3-5 days
When to contact your doctor?
- Heavy bleeding at your incision sites
- A fever of 100 F or higher
- Infection
- Increased pain
Myths and Facts
Every man with a varicocele needs surgery.
Not all varicoceles require treatment. Surgery is usually recommended only when the varicocele causes pain, infertility with abnormal semen analysis, or certain testicular changes
Varicocelectomy blocks blood supply to the testicle.
The procedure redirects blood through healthy veins, maintaining adequate blood supply to the testicle.
If my varicocele doesn't hurt, surgery is always necessary to prevent future problems
Many varicoceles cause no symptoms and do not require treatment. Your doctor will recommend surgery only if it is likely to provide a clinical benefit.
References
- Cleveland Clinic. Varicolectomy [online]. Available from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/24234-varicocelectomy. Accessed on 14 July 2026
- Mayo Clinic. Varicocele: Symptoms and Causes [online]. Available from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/varicocele/symptoms-causes/syc-20378771. Accessed on 14 July 2026
- Mayo Clinic. Varicocele: Diagnosis and Treatment [online]. Available from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/varicocele/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20378772. Accessed on 14 July 2026
- American Society for Reproductive Medicine [online]. Varicocele [online]. Available from https://www.reproductivefacts.org/news-and-publications/fact-sheets-and-infographics/varicocele-fact-sheet. Accessed on 14 July 2026
Speak to a urology specialist
Get an expert opinion and a personalised treatment plan at Sterling Hospitals.
