What are Varicoceles?

Varicoceles are enlarged veins in the scrotum. These veins can cause the scrotum to swell or feel painful and can also contribute to infertility. Blocking these veins can improve sperm quality and other symptoms. This condition is much more common on the left side compared to right side.

At University of Miami Health System, our expert interventional radiologists use a minimally invasive procedure to treat varicoceles and improve health. Varicocele embolization has a fast recovery time and few risks of pain or bleeding.

Who is a Candidate for Varicocele Embolization?

You may be a candidate for varicocele embolization if you have a varicocele and experience symptoms including pain and engorged veins around scrotum.

What to Expect

During this procedure, your doctor will make a small incision in your femoral vein in the groin or jugular vein in the neck. Using X-ray guidance, they will place a thin tube (catheter) through the incision and into the enlarged vein.

The doctor will then place small metal coils into the vein to block blood flow. When the vein is blocked, blood flow will be redirected to healthier veins in the scrotum, reducing symptoms. After the coils are in place, the doctor removes the catheter and places a dressing on the incision. The entire procedure takes about an hour.

You will be able to return home after your varicocele embolization. You will be able to return to all your normal activities the next day.

Why Choose UHealth?

Expert care from highly trained interventional radiologists. Our interventional radiologists and radiology specialists are experts in a variety of minimally invasive procedures — everything from treatments to clear blocked blood vessels to advanced cancer therapies like NanoKnife®.

Leading-edge imaging care in South Florida. Our doctors are also researchers discovering new ways to improve diagnosis and treatment. That means you can get some of today’s most promising advancements through clinical trials. You benefit from the latest developments that are fast-tracked from the lab to the bedside.