10 Science-Backed Reasons to Avoid Varicocele Surgery

If you're considering varicocelectomy (varicocele surgery) to alleviate your varicocele symptoms and boost your fertility, it's important to be fully informed about the potential drawbacks of the surgery. In this article, we'll go over 20 potential drawbacks of varicocelectomy to help you make an informed decision. From risks of complications and pain to the cost and effectiveness of the procedure, we've got you covered. Keep reading to learn more!

Varicocelectomy: 10 Things to Consider Before Going Under the Knife

1. Risk of hydrococele formation: Surgery causes localized inflammation and may also impair re-uptake of fluids that contribute to hydrocele formation.

• A study published in The Journal of Urology found that hydrocele developed in 29.8% of men after varicocele surgery (N=79) https://doi.org/10.1016/S0022-5347(05)00402-7​

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2. Risk of persistent varicocele (recurrent varicocele): Varicocele surgery does not fix the root-cause of varicocele, causes localized inflammation,  and ligates/removes the swollen testicular veins--sparing only few veins to continue circulation. All of these increase the risk of varicocele re-developing after surgery. ​

• The rate of varicocele recurrence vary from 0% to 35%, depending on the technique: https://doi.org/10.4103%2F1008-682X.171578

3. Genitofemoral nerve injury: During surgical operation, there is always a risk of severing or damaging nerves. Genitofemoral nerve injury is common during varicocelectomy. This can cause cremaster muscle dysfunction and persistent neurogenic pain.

• A study published in Elsevier Urology found that 1% of men (N=46) had iatrogenic genitofemoral nerve injury from varicocelectomy: https://doi.org/10.1016/0090-4295(93)90269-G. These findings are consistent with other literature.

4. The NNT of varicocelectomy is 5.7! This means that 87% of men who undergo the knife do not attain a pregnancy benefit.

• A met-analysis released in the Elsevier Fertility and Sterilit  found that while varicocelectomy may be beneficial in some cases for pregnancy, that the overall Number Needed to Treat (NNT) is 5.7: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fertnstert.2006.12.008​​

5. Scarring at incision site: The procedure may result in scarring, which can be cosmetically unappealing.​

• https://doi.org/10.1001/jamadermatol.2016.3757 & 
• https://doi.org/10.1097/cm9.0000000000002041

6. Results vary based on surgical skill & surgery type: Varicocelectomy treatment outcomes vary greatly based on the surgeon's skill, training type, and the surgerical method used.

• A meta-analysis in the journal of Adult Urology found the best treatment outcomes with microvaricocelectomy and microsurgery trained surgeons: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.urology.2004.06.060.
• Micro-surgery is the most effective treatment type: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.urology.2007.01.057​

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7. Persistent or new pain symptoms: Surgery may not be effective at alleviating varicocele pain. 

• Duration of pain prior to surgery is the biggest predictor of pain-resolution post-surgery: https://doi.org/10.1159/000338867
• Persistent pain was noted in 15.5 patients (N=58) doi.org/10.1089/089277902753619627

8. 90% "technical" success rate: 10% of cases, there is a technical failure where the surgeon cannot access, locate, or ligate the swollen testicular veins. 90% technical success rate does not mean that your symptoms are going to recover, heal, or alleviate. This does not mean that you will have a successful pregnancy.

• https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpurol.2021.12.013

9. General Anesthesia: Varicocelectomy requires the use of anesthesia, which carries its own risks and can cause side effects such as nausea, vomiting, dizziness, postoperative delirium, postoperative cognitive dysfunction, etc.

• https://doi.org/10.1097%2FMD.0000000000015383​​

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10. Cost: Varicocelectomy can be expensive, especially if you do not have insurance coverage or if you have a high deductible.

• $3,295 to $6,590 USD according to the Urology Annals doi.org/10.4103%2FUA.UA_48_20​

Non-Invasive Varicocele Healing Treatment Option

Looking for a non-invasive treatment for varicocele? Then natural treatments may be right for you.

Varicocele Natural Treatment:

• Varicocele underwear for healthy scrotal support & cooling
• Ciruclation support and vein-protective supplements
• Varicocele root-cause treatments
• Improve vein health & restore valve function
• Treat the Nutcracker Syndrome
• Varicocele-related lifestyle modifications
• Improve testicular and vein health

This means that you won't have to worry about the risks associated with surgery like bleeding, infection, hydrocele, or complications from anesthesia.

Home Treatment vs. Varicocele Surgery

• Home treatments are non-invasive and carry fewer risks than surgery
• Home treatments are budget-friendly and easier to incorporate into daily routine
• Depending on the case, home treatments may be more than surgery

HOME TREATMENT!