Robotic Varicocelectomy : Causes, Treatment, and Benefits

The article provides detailed information on varicocele and the role of robotic varicocelectomy in treating it.

Let's deep dive into the article to get more information.  

What is a Varicocele?

Varicocele is a condition in which there is a pathologic dilation of the testicular veins within the spermatic cord.

What is the prevalence rate of varicocele?

The prevalence rate of varicocele is 15 % in adult males. Of those presenting for evaluation of infertility, nearly 35% have varicocele.

What does varicocele cause?

What are the advantages of varicocele treatment?

The advantages of varicocele treatment are:

• Treats infertility.

• Improvement in semen analyses.

• Relief from constant testicular pain

• Increase in testosterone levels

• Reduce complications

What are the indications of varicocelectomy?

What are the benefits of robotic varicocelectomy in the treatment of varicocele?

The benefits of robotic varicocelectomy in the treatment of varicocele are:

• Elimination of tremors

• Precision of surgery

• Improvement in sperm count

• Resolution of pain

• Low failure rate

• Fewer complications

What is the difference between robotic and conventional varicocelectomy?

 

Varicoceles are treated by Urologist.

A urologist specializes in diagnosing and treating diseases of the urinary system.

The urinary system includes:

• Kidneys

• Bladder

• Ureters

• Urethra

What research says about robotic varicocelectomy?

Based on the findings from numerous studies, the following conclusion can be drawn.

• The time range in robotic varicocelectomy is 10-150 minutes.

• The procedure improves sperm count and mobility.

• There is reduced testicular pain.

What are the types of robotic varicocelectomy?

The types of robotic varicocelectomy are:

• Robotic-Assisted Microscopic Varicocelectomy

• Robotic-Assisted Laparoscopic Varicocelectom

What are the steps in robotic varicocelectomy?

The steps in robotic varicocelectomy are:

• The patient is given general anesthesia.

• Positioning of robotic arms and camera.

• Small incisions are given in the abdomen

• The camera is inserted to provide a 3D view of the surgical site.

• Identification of spermatic cord and the veins involved in varicocele.

• The robotic instruments isolate and clip the vein.

• The blood flow to the veins is then cut off.

• Removal of varicocele.

• Incision closure.

• Follow-up.

What are the Postoperative instructions generally followed after varicocelectomy?

Following robotic varicocelectomy, hospitalization is not required.

Some general post-operative instructions are:

• Cold compression.

• Instructions are given by the surgeon to take care of the wound properly.

• Painkillers are prescribed.

• Heavy lifting is avoided.

• The appointment is scheduled within 4 to 6 months for assessment of sperm quality.
  

References -

NCBI

The Management of Clinical Varicocele: Robotic Surgery