Varicocele

Varicoceles are a dilatation of the testicular pampiniform venous plexus caused by valvular insufficiency or obstruction of the gonadal vein. A varicocele is often visible in the scrotal sac and can cause pain or infertility. It is more often on the left side but can occur on the right side or bilaterally. Isolated right-sided varicoceles are rare and should lead to a work-up for gonadal vein obstruction. Gonadal vein embolization is a highly effective treatment for symptomatic gonadal vein insufficiency. Indications for varicocele treatment include pain, prevention of testicular atrophy, and known semen dysfunction. Minimally invasive endovascular treatment is highly effective and provides clinical outcomes similar to surgery.