Varicocele embolization

Varicocele embolization is a minimally invasive treatment for varicocele—a condition where veins in the scrotum become enlarged, similar to varicose veins in the legs. These enlarged veins can cause discomfort or fertility concerns. Instead of surgery, a doctor uses a thin, flexible tube to reach the problem vein and gently block it with tiny coils or a soft medical plug. This reroutes blood to healthier veins and can help ease symptoms like pain or swelling. The procedure is usually done the same day and involves only a small opening, so recovery is often quick.

Penn Medicine brings expert varicocele embolization care to patients across Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Our experienced interventional radiologists use a gentle, low-impact approach and advanced imaging to ensure safe, precise, and well-coordinated treatment that prioritizes your safety and recovery.

For those looking for a less invasive option than surgery, embolization may be suggested when a varicocele causes symptoms or fertility issues. It is often considered for people who:

• Have pain, discomfort, or a heavy feeling in the scrotum
• Have a varicocele linked to fertility concerns
• Have a varicocele that returned after surgery
• Prefer a minimally invasive treatment with a shorter recovery time
• Are not a good candidate for surgery

Your Penn Medicine health care provider will review your symptoms, imaging results, and overall health to help decide if embolization is right for you.

Varicocele embolization has several benefits over a varicocele surgical procedure, especially for people looking for effective treatment with less impact on daily life. Because it doesn’t involve large incisions, most people have less pain and little to no scarring. The treatment is usually done with local anesthesia and light sedation, rather than full anesthesia, which many people find more comfortable.

Recovery is often faster than with surgery. Most people go home the same day and return to normal activities within a day or two. This quicker recovery and gentler approach make embolization a good option for many people.

This gentle, nonsurgical option treats enlarged veins and is designed for a smooth, less invasive experience. Here’s how it typically works:

• The procedure is done in a hospital or outpatient center and usually takes about an hour.
• A numbing medicine is used, and a small tube (catheter) is placed into a vein, usually in the groin or neck.
• Using imaging for guidance, your doctor moves the catheter to the problem vein.
• Tiny coils or a soft medical plug are placed to block the enlarged vein and redirect blood flow.
• There are no large incisions, and most people go home the same day.

Recovery is usually quick and straightforward. Mild soreness, bruising, or a feeling of pressure in the groin or neck is common and typically improves within a few days. Over-the-counter pain medicine is often enough to manage discomfort. Normal daily activities can usually be resumed within a day or two, although heavy lifting and strenuous exercise may be limited for a short time. Follow-up visits may be scheduled to check healing and symptom improvement.