Varicocele Treatment

About the Treatment

Varicocele Treatment in Dubai

Most men with a varicocele have no symptoms at all but varicoceles matter because, left untreated, some can cause infertility and slow the growth of the left testicle during puberty. A varicocele is an enlargement of the pampiniform plexus veins inside the scrotum, and it is estimated to affect around 15% of men overall. Among men who struggle to father a child, varicoceles are implicated in fertility problems in roughly 40% of cases. Some men also experience scrotal swelling or a dull ache, particularly when standing or lifting.

Causes

Varicoceles usually result from defective valves in the main testicular vein. They are more common on the left side for anatomical reasons, and while rare can occasionally be caused by kidney cancer, which is why a proper clinical work-up matters.

Diagnosis

A varicocele may be found through self-examination or a routine doctor’s exam, often described as a “bag of worms” in feel and appearance. Dr. Alkhayal examines patients standing up, with diagnosis confirmed via ultrasound/doppler imaging.

When Is Treatment Needed?

Varicoceles are often left untreated unless they are causing problems. Treatment is generally offered for fertility problems, asymmetric testicular growth, or pain. There is currently no medication that treats or prevents varicocelessurgical or minimally-invasive correction is the only option when treatment is warranted.

Surgical Treatment Options in Dubai

Open Microscopic Surgery: performed through a single 1-inch incision using a magnifying glass or operating microscope, under local or general anaesthesia.
Laparoscopic Surgery: performed via thin tubes inserted through small incisions, guided by a special camera, under general anaesthesia.
Percutaneous Embolization: performed by a radiologist, with a tube inserted via a vein in the groin or neck and guided by X-ray to place coils or balloons that block the affected veins, under local anaesthesia. This technique is not offered at most centres.

Results and Recovery

Healing time and post-operative pain are broadly similar between open and laparoscopic surgery when a modern, small-incision technique is used. Complications are rare and include persistence/recurrence of the varicocele, hydrocele, or (rarely) testicular artery injury. Persistence or recurrence occurs in fewer than 1 in 10 patients, with open surgery under magnification associated with lower recurrence rates. Most patients return to normal activity within 5 days of surgery, and to work within around 7 days. For percutaneous embolization, risks include persistence/recurrence and coil migration, and patients are advised to avoid exercise for 10-14 days.

FAQs

frequently asked
questions

To provide you with some clarity, we’re sharing FAQs about the procedure, what kind of results you can expect, the recovery process, and more.

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August 23, 2025