I had microsurgical varicocelectomy a few days ago for a grade III varicocele left side. I had an emobolization for this same varicocele ~7 years ago but it returned. I never thought the embolization was 100% successful. I felt that the radiologist got some but not all of the veins that were dilated. I also don't appreciate permanent coils/wire in my body from an embolization. These show up on all my Xrays or CT scans and the technicians are alarmed until I can explain.
Between the 2 procedures, I had 1-2 day recovery for the embolization and this was just to heal the nick in my neck where they placed the tube. For the mircosurgery, I am still healing just short of a week after. Many websites say you can go back to work in 2 days, IMHO this is ridiculous. The incision seems to be healing fine but the left side scrotum pain is bothersome. The scrotum feels heavier and only an athletic supporter or tighty whities help. The doc says this is normal and takes time, I do hope the current pain pays off in time and that time heals. Right now it doesn't seem that way. Has anyone experienced the same lengthy recovery for microsurgical approach? How long was your recovery? Some have said it takes weeks to months for the tied off veins to die off, and that results are not immediate?
Having had both procedures, I am not sure which one I would choose if I had to choose again. I don't mind a lengthy recovery if it fixes the problem. But its been too soon for me after microsurgery to know yet. I appreciate any other recovery time stories. Thank you and I wish you a pain free life.
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No, the coils/wire they put in for an embolization procedure are NOT metallic. You can still have an MRI without a problem. The coils do show up on CT scans and Xrays. But I have not been stopped in an airport screening.
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My radiologist went through the jugular vein. I think you can go through the leg too. I had mild soreness around the neck area. That was about all. 1 day off work, not bad. I couldn't tell if the varicocele was better or not. I do think the pain level went down but since I had varicocele recurrence I don't think it was successful for me. But that is just me.
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Recurrence of varicoceles after embolisation is high. The procedure is the least invasive, but less effective than varicocelectomy.
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Mine recurred after embolization in about 5-6 years. Embolization was certainly a simple recovery. I hardly new the procedure was even done on me. I think it works long term for some but for others it doesn't. Having had both I still think the embolization is worth a try. Microsurgery might be more effective but the recovery is long an tough.
I think it is so unfortunate that 15-20% of all males get these horrible things. That is just insane and a bad deal.
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