varicocele repair with laser

My boyfriend suffers from varicocele of his left testicle. He is aware that he must have a repair done soon but was curious about the procedures that are preformed. We found out that there are the four common procedures used for varicocele repair and all are invasive. He was informed recently that there may be a laser procedure for varicocele repair available at this time. My questions are: is there such a procedure? If so, what are the complications? Where would be the best facility or who would be the best physician who preforms this procedure? Are there any supporting studies on the success of this procedure?

[Kevin Pho, MD]

I am not a urologist, so I cannot give personal experience regarding varicocele treatments.  I am not aware of laser repair of varicoceles.  Most of the current treatments would involve a surgical incision.  

There are minimally-invasive surgical techniques that can be used as well, using a larparoscopic camera to aid in the procedure.  

Another consideration would be embolization of the varicocele - which is normally tried after surgical procedures have failed.

You can find a urologist from the American Urological Association website listed here:
http://www.urologyhealth.org/index.cfm

The recurrance rate after these procedures range from 5 to 20 percent.

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.

Kevin, M.D.
Medical Weblog:
kevinmd_b