Spermatic Vein Ligation
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 6, 2025.
What do I need to know about a spermatic vein ligation?
A spermatic vein ligation is surgery to repair a varicocele. A spermatic vein ligation helps improve blood flow and decrease vein swelling. This may help improve the flow of sperm and improve fertility.
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How do I prepare for a spermatic vein ligation?
- Your surgeon will tell you how to prepare. You may be told not to eat or drink anything after midnight on the day of your surgery. Arrange to have someone drive you home when you are discharged.
- Tell your surgeon about all your current medicines. You will be told if you need to stop any medicine for surgery, and when to stop. Your provider will tell you which medicines to take or not take on the day of your surgery.
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What will happen during a spermatic vein ligation?
- You may be given general anesthesia to keep you asleep and free from pain during surgery. You may instead be given local anesthesia to numb the surgery area. With local anesthesia, you may still feel pressure or pushing during surgery, but you should not feel pain.
- Your surgeon will make an incision in your groin or abdomen. The spermatic veins will be located. Your surgeon will cut or tie off the blocked and dilated veins.
- The blood flow will be checked and the incision will be closed with stitches. You may also have medical tape or a bandage in place.
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What should I expect after spermatic vein ligation?
Ice and an athletic supporter may be applied to decrease discomfort.
What are the risks of spermatic vein ligation?
You may bleed more than expected or develop an infection. Your surgeon may need to make a larger incision instead of one or more small incisions. Your varicocele may not go away, or may return. You may develop swelling in your scrotum, around the testicle. Your testicles may decrease in size and your fertility may be lowered. Your pain may return.
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