Varicocele refers to the enlargement and varicosity of the veins within the scrotum (the skin covering the testicles). It is one of the most common conditions in men after puberty. Varicocele is the leading cause of reduced sperm production, poor sperm quality, and infertility in men. It may also lead to testicular shrinkage. Fortunately, most varicoceles are easily diagnosed, but if symptomatic, surgical treatment is required.
Since varicocele usually has no symptoms, it is often discovered during infertility evaluations or routine examinations. Varicocele is rarely painful, but the pain may:
Over time, varicocele may enlarge and become more noticeable. However, if you experience pain, swelling, or a lump in your scrotum, contact your doctor.
The veins and arteries regulate the blood flow to and from the testicles. The exact cause of varicocele is not entirely clear, but many experts believe it occurs when the valves inside the veins fail to function properly, leading to poor blood flow in the testicles. This malfunction results in vein dilation. Varicocele often develops during puberty, usually on the left side, due to the position of the left testicular vein. Additionally, the presence of varicocele on one side can affect sperm production in both testicles.
Varicocele is most commonly observed in men aged 15 to 25 years.
Testicular Shrinkage (Atrophy):
Testicles are primarily composed of sperm-producing tubes. When varicocele occurs, the testicle may soften and shrink. Although the exact cause of testicular shrinkage is unclear, it may be due to tissue damage or the presence of certain toxins in the blood. This damage is associated with the malfunction of the vein valves and increased pressure within the testicular veins.
Infertility:
The exact mechanism by which varicocele affects fertility is not fully understood. The testicular blood vessels help maintain an optimal temperature for sperm production. Varicocele causes blood flow stagnation, leading to increased local testicular temperature, which negatively impacts sperm production and motility.
If varicocele does not cause issues, treatment may not be necessary. Treatment is required in cases of pain, infertility, or testicular shrinkage. Surgical intervention involves removing the problematic vein from the testicular blood flow system and redirecting the blood flow through healthy veins. However, the impact of surgery on infertility remains uncertain.
Surgery is recommended in the following cases:
Surgical complications are minimal and may include:
Surgery is performed under general or local anesthesia. Patients typically return to normal conditions after two days and can resume light activities. Regular activities can usually be resumed after two weeks. Pain from surgery is mild, and prescribed painkillers can be used for the first two days. Sexual activity should be avoided for one week post-surgery.
Also known as reduction mammoplasty, it is a type of cosmetic surgery used to reduce breast size.
Breast size is influenced by genetics, hormones, body frame, and patient weight. For most women, breast size is proportionate to the rest of the body, but some women have disproportionately large breasts. Women’s breasts are sensitive to the hormone estrogen. In some cases, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can also lead to breast enlargement.
Breast reduction or cosmetic breast surgery can help women dissatisfied with the appearance, weight, or sagging of their breasts, aiming to reduce and lift the breasts.
A reduction mammoplasty procedure should be performed by an experienced breast or plastic surgeon. Many patients report not only an improved appearance after surgery but also relief from issues like back and neck pain, significantly enhancing their quality of life.
After surgery, your breasts are likely to swell, and you may feel discomfort and heaviness in the area. However, the final cosmetic results of the surgery may take several weeks or even months to become apparent.
Post-Surgery Care:
When you wake up after surgery, your breasts will be bandaged, and plastic drainage tubes may be attached to drain blood. These tubes are removed after one or two days, allowing you to go home. You may experience pain during the first few days, which can be managed with pain-relief medication prescribed by your doctor.
Returning to Normal After Surgery:
Once at home, you may need to rest and recover for two to six weeks, depending on your age and overall health. The duration of ointment use also depends on how quickly you heal. After one or two weeks, your stitches will either dissolve or be removed at the doctor’s office.
In your follow-up appointment, your surgeon will discuss when you can return to normal activities and work. Avoid stretching, intense exercise, and lifting heavy objects for six weeks after surgery. You may need to wear a suitable bra to support your breasts day and night for up to three months post-surgery.
Avoid driving until all breast pain has subsided, especially when fastening a car seatbelt. Scars will generally appear red for the first six weeks after surgery, then gradually turn purple, and eventually fade to white. Most scars heal well, but for some women, scars may remain red and uneven, with little improvement over time.
Clexane is an anticoagulant drug used to reduce the risk of blood clots. Blood clots can form in deep veins, typically in the legs (deep vein thrombosis). While these clots might not be immediately life-threatening, they must be treated as soon as possible. A blood clot can detach and travel through the bloodstream (embolism). If it reaches the lungs, it can cause a pulmonary embolism, which can be potentially fatal.
The most common side effects include bruising, tenderness, mild local reactions, pain, hematoma (internal bleeding causing swelling), skin redness, and nodules (small, firm bumps at the injection site). Mild pain or bruising at the injection site is normal. However, redness, pain, warmth, swelling, discoloration of the skin, or discharge from an old injection site, or fever may indicate a skin reaction or infection. If you notice any of these symptoms at a previous injection site, contact your doctor immediately.
No food or liquids should be consumed orally.
Liquid foods, fruit juices should be natural (without pulp) and diluted with water. The transparency of the liquids at this stage should be such that you can see through the liquid to the other side of the glass. The recommended liquid intake during this period is two tablespoons every 15 minutes.
If prescribed by the doctor or treatment team, clear liquids without sugar such as water, low-fat broth, and fresh fruit juices like apple juice, carrot juice, and cucumber juice (clear and without sugar, half water and half juice) are allowed.
Broth Preparation: Cook low-fat meat with very little spice or turmeric. Then pass the broth through a very fine strainer and store it in the fridge for about 15 minutes to allow the fat to solidify. Remove the fat and discard it, then reheat the broth and drink it slowly.
Avoid consuming acidic and sour juices like grapefruit juice, pomegranate juice, sour cherry juice, barberry juice, and orange juice for one month after surgery.
Low-fat milk, diluted yogurt, strained soup water, diet jelly.
Add a little barley, parsley, and carrot to low-fat broth, cook it, strain the soup, and dilute it with water.
If dairy products cause stomach pain, bloating, or diarrhea, soy milk, lactose-free milk, or almond milk (10 almonds + milk) can be used.
Sugar-free porridge, boiled egg whites, completely cooked and mashed chicken mixed with chicken broth, fully cooked lentils, mashed potatoes, cooked fruits or fruit juices, mashed boiled carrots, completely blended soup, pureed chicken or fish mixed with chicken broth.
From this week, protein supplements should be used. Protein supplements act as medicine and are prescribed to prevent the breakdown of structural proteins and muscles.
Soft-cooked vegetables, soft fruits, prunes, sugar-free fruit compote, fully cooked and mashed beans, soft, low-fat lamb meat (pureed and mixed with broth), finely grated boiled eggs with two tablespoons of milk, steamed or grilled fish, finely chopped salad.
Lean meat, chicken, fish (pureed), raw vegetables, grated fruits. This diet should continue for 8 weeks.
With the consultation of the surgeon and nutrition specialist, you can begin eating regular foods. During this period, avoid drinking carbonated and caffeinated beverages. Avoid drinking ice-cold water and drinking through straws or sports bottles, as this can cause air bubbles and digestive problems.
Gastric sleeve surgery is a procedure designed to promote weight loss by restricting food intake. This surgery, often performed laparoscopically, involves the removal of approximately 75% of the stomach, leaving a tube-shaped stomach resembling a sleeve that can hold much smaller amounts of food.
Upon entering the operating room, the patient is connected to monitoring devices for pulse and heart rate. After placing an oxygen mask and administering anesthesia, the patient is prepared for surgery within seconds. This procedure can be performed either via a large abdominal incision (open surgery) or through several small incisions using specialized tools and a camera for guidance (laparoscopic surgery). During the procedure, more than half of the stomach is removed, leaving a vertical sleeve-shaped stomach approximately the size of a banana. The stomach and abdominal incisions are then sutured and sealed.
Typically, within the first 5 hours after surgery, patients are encouraged to take a few steps near their bed to reduce the risk of blood clots in their legs. Patients are discharged with a post-operative instruction booklet and prescribed medication. The booklet includes the following guidelines:
The following symptoms should prompt a visit to the doctor:
Dislodgement of the attached tube
Leakage is a potential complication, often occurring within the first month post-surgery. It can result from consuming inappropriate foods, damaging the stomach tissue, and hindering proper healing. Leakage can lead to severe infections as stomach contents leak into the abdominal cavity, presenting symptoms like increased heart rate, fever, chest pain, and abdominal pain.
Other possible complications include internal injuries, bleeding, blood clots in the veins of the legs, lungs, or abdomen, infections in the abdomen or chest, and ulcers.