Appointment
Shaare Zedek Hospital
026555999
026555014
Dr. Jacob Zittoun - ד״ר ג׳קוב זיתון
רדיולוג פולשני
Varicocele
Varicocele is a common pathology in men, causing clinical symptoms (pain, heaviness) and/or biological symptoms (abnormal sperm, infertility). The treatment for varicocele can be surgical or minimally invasive (embolisation).
Varicocele Embolisation
Varicocele embolization is a minimally invasive, innovative endovascular procedure performed by an interventional radiologist to treat varicocele without surgery and without hospitalisation.
Embolisation Process
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Catheter Insertion: The radiologist inserts a 1.6 mm catheter into a vein in the patient's neck.
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Radiological Guidance: The catheter is guided under fluoroscopy towards the veins supplying the varicocele.
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Blocking the Veins: Once the catheter position is confirmed, the veins are closed using coils and a sclerosing agent.
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Completing the Procedure: The radiologist removes the catheter, leaving a small 1 mm incision in the skin, which will heal within less than 24 hours.
Advantages of Embolisation
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Minimally Invasive: No general anesthesia and no scars.
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High Efficiency: Effective treatment for fertility issues related to varicocele.
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Short Recovery Time: Daily activities can be resumed the same day, and sports activities after five days.
Procedure Before and After
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Consultation Meeting: A consultation with the interventional radiologist is required before the procedure.
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On the Day of the Procedure: An intravenous infusion is administered, and the procedure lasts about an hour on average.
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Post-Procedure: One-hour monitoring in the recovery room before being discharged home.
Results of Embolisation
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Effective: The treatment successfully addresses all veins supplying the varicocele, including the small veins.
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Improvement in Sperm Tests: In 70% of cases, there is an improvement in sperm test results after three months.
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Natural Pregnancy: In 46% of cases, natural pregnancy is observed after the procedure.
Side Effects
Mild Pain: Mild pain may occur within 48 hours post-procedure, which can be managed with personalized follow-up.
The Interventional Radiology Unit at Shaare Zedek has been performing embolization for over 20 years and is the only unit in Israel proficient in the various techniques for treating varicocele.