Professor Chaim MatskinLeading urological surgeon, oncologist
The cause of nearly half of male infertility cases is varicocele. This condition can be successfully treated at the Top Ichilov clinic – a clinic with the most advanced reproductive technology treatments. The clinic's doctors address the underlying cause of varicocele – impaired blood supply to the testicles, and provide therapy aimed at increasing testosterone hormone production, which plays a key role in the production of healthy sperm. Generally, therapy involves surgery. At Top Ichilov, minimally invasive techniques are used – endovascular and endoscopic. This allows for gentle correction of the condition, with minimal damage to healthy tissues, thereby minimizing the patient's recovery time.
Reviews of varicocele treatment in Israel provide clear evidence of the professionalism of the urological surgeons at Top Ichilov and how tactfully they interact with patients. Men who have undergone treatment at the clinic also note the excellent organization: all examinations and therapeutic procedures follow a pre-established plan, and patients are spared the need to wait long for a doctor's appointment.
Treatment
In most patients with varicocele, this condition is mild and does not require special treatment. However, if the enlarged veins in the scrotum cause pain and discomfort, or if they lead to reproductive function impairment (reducing sperm production), treatment becomes necessary. Typically, it ends with the complete elimination of the condition. Surgery for varicocele in Israel is indicated for nearly all patients who plan to have children. Conservative therapy serves as an adjunct to relieve uncomfortable and painful symptoms. The doctors' task is to choose the surgical method that will provide the best result with minimal risks and trauma to healthy tissues. At Top Ichilov, minimally invasive techniques are generally preferred, which do not require hospitalization. Surgeries are performed on an outpatient basis, and after treatment, the man can return home the same day (except in the case of open surgery, which is performed very rarely).
Sclerotherapy. The sclerotherapy procedure involves injecting a medication into the enlarged vein that causes the walls to stick together. The enlarged vein is completely excluded from the blood supply to the testicle, alleviating the symptoms of the disease. Through a small incision in the groin area (about 0.5 cm) above the testicle, a guide catheter is inserted into the vein, through which the sclerosing agent is delivered. The success of the treatment can be assessed not immediately, but some time later; however, statistics show that in 90% of cases, doctors achieve the desired result.
Embolization. Another option to eliminate blood flow from the damaged vein with minimal trauma. Embolization is also an endovascular procedure, performed under local anesthesia in an outpatient setting. The surgeon makes a puncture in the vein, into which a catheter is inserted. It delivers tiny emboli – microspheres made of medical material – into the vein. These block the lumen of the vein, causing it to cease functioning, thus eliminating the condition. Like the previous procedure, embolization is performed under the control of X-ray equipment, ensuring its accuracy.
Endoscopic technique. The pathological segment of the testicular vein is removed. This is done through an incision of no more than one centimeter (previously, such surgery required an incision of at least 5 cm). The closed nature of the operation avoids risks associated with traditional interventions, namely – significant blood loss and the danger of infection of an open wound. Through the incision, special surgical instruments and an endoscope are introduced, which illuminates the area of pathology and transmits its image to a monitor. The surgeon excises the damaged vein and ligates its fragments, which are not removed. Blood supply is restored through other vessels of the testicle.
Micro-surgical revascularization. This type of surgery is most commonly used: the damaged vein is removed, and a fragment of a healthy vessel taken from another part of the patient's body is placed in its place. Revascularization fully restores blood supply to the testicle, leading to the restoration of normal sperm production and reproductive function. Previously, such surgeries were performed with an incision in the abdominal wall, but now at Top Ichilov, a minimally invasive technique is used. This involves making punctures near the damaged vein, through which the damaged vessel is removed, and then the surgeon implants a fragment of healthy tissue. To enhance the precision of the manipulations, the surgery is performed under a high-resolution microscope, allowing for careful intervention.
Diagnostics
Examination for varicocele at Top Ichilov is a mandatory procedure, as only a 100% accurate determination of the clinical picture of the disease allows for the selection of a therapy program that will yield the desired results. The diagnostic center at Top Ichilov is equipped with modern diagnostic equipment capable of providing comprehensive information about the pathology. Unfortunately, diagnostics performed by patients from the CIS in their home countries are not always sufficiently informative, and in 30% of cases, patients arrive with an incorrectly diagnosed condition. Pre-scheduling the examination and coordinating it with the diagnosticians allows for diagnostics to be completed in the shortest possible time, within three days.
First day
Consultations with an andrologist and urologist take place. The doctors examine the patient, study the medical history, and clarify the list of necessary examinations.
Second day
The following diagnostic procedures are performed:
- Blood tests
- Ultrasound
- CT, MRI
- Hormone level tests
- Doppler ultrasound
- Semen analysis (spermogram).
Third day
A therapy program is developed, and the type of surgical intervention is selected. This occurs at a medical council meeting, aimed at making the most adequate decision.
Often, patients undergoing treatment at home require a consultation with an experienced expert – to assess how adequate the therapeutic measures taken by their treating physician are. For them, Top Ichilov doctors conduct consultations via Skype, which do not require traveling to Israel. Such consultations are also beneficial for patients who would like to get to know the doctor they plan to treat with in advance. Upon arrival at the Top Ichilov clinic, their first in-person consultation is provided free of charge. During the Skype consultation, the Top Ichilov doctor analyzes the provided medical documents, gives his opinion on the correctness of the diagnosis and the proposed therapy in the home country. He also offers his treatment option – using the most advanced techniques. A written conclusion from the Israeli expert, prepared in Hebrew, Russian, and English, can be presented at any clinic worldwide to adjust the treatment plan. A request for a Skype consultation can be submitted on the website by providing contact details and diagnosis.
Treatment of Varicocele in Israel: Prices
Top Ichilov is a public medical institution, so treatment for varicocele at the Top Ichilov clinic in Israel is significantly cheaper (by 30-50%) than in clinics with the same excellent reputation located in Europe or America. The cost depends on what type of treatment the doctors consider more promising, based on the stage of varicocele and the patient's age.
Advantages of Treatment at Top Ichilov
- Maximum possible results with minimal risks
- Choice of minimally invasive surgical options
- Short recovery period
- No need to make an advance payment.
To have complete information about treatment, its organization, and prices, please use the feedback form and leave a request with your contact details.