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Urology (Expert Forum)
Varicocele Surgery
Answered by
Kevin Pho, MD - Internal Medicine
Kevin Pho, MD
Boston - MA
Questions in the Urology forum are answered by Dr. Stephen Liroff, affiliated with the Henry Ford Hospital. Topics covered include benign prostate disease, penis curvature, cystisis, kidney stones, pediatric urology, prostate, sexual dysfunction, urinary tract infections (UTI), and urological cancers.
Varicocele Surgery
by youjane1, Apr 12, 2004 12:00AM
Last September I suddenly had a pretty sharp pain in my left testicle. I went to the urologist and he said I was fine. It didn't go away. I went back and he diagnosed me with epidydmitis, and gave me meds. They didn't work. I went back and he ordered an ultrasound. He said it came back clear. I could physically feel a small tender lump behind my left testicle, so I knew something wasn't right. I finally went to a different doctor and within 5 seconds he diagnosed me with a spermatocele. I also had some "pretty big" varicocele according to him. He suggested surgery to take care of both problems. I am 23 by the way.
I had surgery on March 19th. It turns out it wasn't a spermatocele at all, but some other vein back there that was enlarged. So he took care of everything. It's now a little over 3 weeks later and I'm still in a good amount of pain. Walking is okay, but I can't take big strides. The area around the incision (which was in the inguinal area, below the pubic hair line) is pretty tender still. If my belt or waistline rubs anywhere near the incision it hurts, not excruciating but a sore pain. If I sit for a long time it sometimes pinches in my groin a little. I work in a machine shop and am on my feet a lot, and by the end of the day I get an uncomfortable sensation of pressure in my groin and testicle. The area between the incision and my testicle is still swollen, it's kind of a bump and I was scared it was a hernia (although it doesn't go away when I lay down). There's also a pretty big mass in my scrotum, which is rock hard. I went back to the urologist last Friday and he said everything was normal. He gently pushed on the swelling and said it was from internal stitches, and the hard lump in my scrotum would "soften up over time". He recommended warm baths and ibuprofen if I was in pain. I go back again in a month. I was wondering if this sounds right or if I should be worried that something is wrong. I was told it could take a month for everything to get back to normal but a month is 4 days away and I don't think I'll be normal by then. What are the internal stitches he was speaking of from? Am I at a greater risk for hernia after this procedure? He never said anything about cutting through the abdominal wall or anything. Could the pain when I stand be from the varicocele coming back, or is that normal too? I hope this hasn't screwed me up permanently because the varicocele never really gave me trouble anyway! Everything I read makes it seem like it's a routine procedure and I should be fine by now.
I had surgery on March 19th. It turns out it wasn't a spermatocele at all, but some other vein back there that was enlarged. So he took care of everything. It's now a little over 3 weeks later and I'm still in a good amount of pain. Walking is okay, but I can't take big strides. The area around the incision (which was in the inguinal area, below the pubic hair line) is pretty tender still. If my belt or waistline rubs anywhere near the incision it hurts, not excruciating but a sore pain. If I sit for a long time it sometimes pinches in my groin a little. I work in a machine shop and am on my feet a lot, and by the end of the day I get an uncomfortable sensation of pressure in my groin and testicle. The area between the incision and my testicle is still swollen, it's kind of a bump and I was scared it was a hernia (although it doesn't go away when I lay down). There's also a pretty big mass in my scrotum, which is rock hard. I went back to the urologist last Friday and he said everything was normal. He gently pushed on the swelling and said it was from internal stitches, and the hard lump in my scrotum would "soften up over time". He recommended warm baths and ibuprofen if I was in pain. I go back again in a month. I was wondering if this sounds right or if I should be worried that something is wrong. I was told it could take a month for everything to get back to normal but a month is 4 days away and I don't think I'll be normal by then. What are the internal stitches he was speaking of from? Am I at a greater risk for hernia after this procedure? He never said anything about cutting through the abdominal wall or anything. Could the pain when I stand be from the varicocele coming back, or is that normal too? I hope this hasn't screwed me up permanently because the varicocele never really gave me trouble anyway! Everything I read makes it seem like it's a routine procedure and I should be fine by now.
Doctor's Answer
by Kevin Pho, MD, Apr 14, 2004 12:00AM
, Apr 14, 2004 12:00AM
The incidence of adverse effects following varicocele repair is low (2�5% incidence of hydrocele, increased fluid around the testicle). The overall recurrence rate for varicoceles has been reported as high as 10%.
Complications can be due to scarring, swelling, inflammation and infection. The time for recovery can vary from patient to patient. If there continues to be concern, a repeat scrotal ultrasound can be considered.
I am not aware of a greater risk of a hernia due to the procedures. I also cannot comment on your specific case (i.e. the internal stiches) since I was not involved. I would suggest discussing this with your personal urologist.
If there is suspicion that the varicocele is coming back, then a repeat ultrasound can be considered.
Followup with your personal physician is essential.
This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
Thanks,
Kevin, M.D.
Complications can be due to scarring, swelling, inflammation and infection. The time for recovery can vary from patient to patient. If there continues to be concern, a repeat scrotal ultrasound can be considered.
I am not aware of a greater risk of a hernia due to the procedures. I also cannot comment on your specific case (i.e. the internal stiches) since I was not involved. I would suggest discussing this with your personal urologist.
If there is suspicion that the varicocele is coming back, then a repeat ultrasound can be considered.
Followup with your personal physician is essential.
This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
Thanks,
Kevin, M.D.
Member Comments
by chacquie, Apr 25, 2004 12:00AM
To: Misc. (Urology)
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