Varicocele Treatment Singapore: Your Guide to Improved Fertility

Are you experiencing scrotal pain or facing difficulties conceiving your first child? You might be one of the % of men facing such challenges due to varicoceles. But don’t worry! The Vascular and Interventional Centre in Singapore offers advanced treatments to address this condition and improve your fertility. Let’s explore the options available for Varicocele Treatment Singapore, providing you with actionable information and deep value.

Understanding Varicoceles

A varicocele is characterized by the enlargement of veins within the scrotum. Specifically, it’s an abnormal dilation and enlargement of the pampiniform plexus, which is a network of veins that drain blood from each testicle. This condition can negatively impact sperm production and quality, leading to fertility issues.

Treatment Options for Varicoceles

Fortunately, several effective treatment options are available. The approach is individualized, based on the varicocele’s size, your fertility goals, symptoms, and semen analysis results. Generally, treatment of symptomatic varicocele involves an intervention to obstruct the reflux of venous drainage. Here’s a closer look at the primary methods for Varicocele Treatment Singapore:

Surgical Varicocelectomy

Varicocelectomy is a surgical procedure performed in a hospital setting under general anesthesia. It involves blocking the blood flow in the veins of the spermatic cord through microscopic or laparoscopic methods.

Types of Varicocelectomy Surgery:

  • Open Varicocelectomy: This traditional procedure involves an incision in the groin or abdomen to access and ligate the malfunctioning vein, redirecting blood flow to healthier veins. It is the least expensive, but also the least safe method. The surgery takes around  to  minutes.
  • Laparoscopic Varicocelectomy: This minimally invasive surgery uses a laparoscope, providing a clear image of blood vessels and internal organs. The surgeon makes small incisions in the abdomen, inserts the laparoscope, and ligates the vein directly from the abdomen.
  • Microscopic Varicocelectomy: A highly precise, minimally invasive procedure involving a small incision in the abdomen or scrotum. A microscope helps identify and ligate the swollen vein without damaging other blood vessels.
    Benefits of minimally invasive techniques: Minimally invasive techniques offer increased accuracy due to the clear visualization provided by tools like laparoscopes and microscopes. This high precision improves the success rate of the procedure.

Percutaneous Embolization

Percutaneous embolization is a minimally invasive, non-surgical treatment performed by an interventional vascular surgeon. It is an alternative to surgery, particularly for those who may not be suitable candidates or prefer a non-surgical approach. Vascular & Interventional Centre offers embolisation, a minimally invasive Varicocele Treatment Singapore.

The Embolization Procedure:

  1. Local anesthesia is administered to numb the area where the catheter will be inserted.
  2. A small puncture is made in a vein in the upper thigh to access the blood vessels.
  3. A catheter is carefully threaded through the vascular system using real-time X-ray guidance (fluoroscopy).
  4. The catheter is guided to the affected blood vessels supplying the varicocele.
  5. Tiny titanium coils and an embolic agent are introduced through the catheter into the targeted vessels, blocking the blood supply to the varicocele.

The goal is to redirect blood flow through healthier veins, reducing the varicocele’s size over time. The procedure typically takes one to two hours and is performed on an outpatient basis. Following the procedure, you can resume regular activities in about a week.

Preparing for Varicocele Treatment

Proper preparation is crucial for the success of your varicocele treatment. Here are some key steps to take before the procedure:

  • Inform your doctor about all medications, including herbal supplements, and any allergies, especially to anesthetics or contrast materials.
  • Follow your doctor’s instructions regarding aspirin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), or blood thinners.
  • If sedation is required, adhere to fasting guidelines (usually no eating or drinking for four to eight hours before the procedure).
  • Arrange for someone to accompany you and drive you home if you are receiving sedation.

Benefits of Choosing Embolization

Embolization offers several advantages over traditional surgery:

  • It is safe, effective, and patient-friendly.
  • It involves a shorter recovery time and minimal scarring.
  • It carries a lower risk of complications.

Considerations

While embolization is generally safe, it is essential to be aware of potential risks associated with varicocelectomy, including varicocele persistence or recurrence, hydrocele formation, and rare injury to the testicular artery. The recurrence rate following embolization is similar to that of surgery.

Cost of Varicocele Treatment

The cost of varicocele surgery varies depending on the type of procedure:

  • Initial consultation: SGD 500 – SGD 2,000
  • Varicocele Surgery: SGD 50,000 – SGD 80,705
  • Anesthesia: SGD 5,000 – SGD 20,000
  • Surgeon’s Fees: SGD 15,000 – SGD 60,000

Embolization costs around SGD 90,000 to SGD 160,000

Conclusion

If you’re seeking Varicocele Treatment Singapore, the Vascular and Interventional Centre offers effective and minimally invasive solutions tailored to your needs. Our comprehensive techniques and patient-focused approach ensure optimal results, addressing symptoms and improving fertility.