Varicoceles may reoccur in fifteen to twenty percent of the men who undergo this type of treatment. One potential problem with this type of conventional operation is the formation of a hydrocele. A hydrocele is a collection of fluid around the testicle. A hydrocele forms when the tiny lymph ducts that run close to the veins also become tied off accidentally. The collection of fluid allows the temperature inside the testicle to remain high.
Further surgery is required to eliminate a hydrocele.
Microsurgery varicocele repair can be performed using a spinal anesthesia or a light general anesthesia. The procedure involves making a one inch incision in the groin. The whole testicle is brought out of the man's body, and the surgeon can identify and tie off the accessory veins that do not go into the spermatic cord. Using the microscope guidance, the surgeon cuts the spermatic cord with a tiny knife, and individually ties off the enlarged veins with ultra thin thread or titanium clips. The procedure can be performed on an outpatient basis and there is no need to remove any stitches following surgery.