Causes of varicocele

Written by Wang Shuai

Urology

Updated on August 31, 2024

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There are several causes of varicocele, including congenital factors and secondary causes. Congenital causes are mainly seen in cases of incomplete development of venous valves, while secondary causes may result from prolonged sitting, standing, or intense exercise over time. Some patients develop varicocele due to kidney tumors or blood clots in renal veins, which obstruct the blood flow returning through the spermatic vein. Patients with severe varicocele may experience a sensation of heaviness and pain in the testicles. In treating varicocele, it is also important to understand the reasons behind it. If it is caused by a tumor, active treatment of the tumor is necessary.

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Written by Zhang Xue Min

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Does Grade II varicose veins require surgery?

In our clinical staging, Grade 2 varicose veins are the most common type of varicose veins. Often, these do not have complications and are relatively early-stage. The decision to undergo surgery depends on the patient's personal treatment preference. Some individuals might be motivated by cosmetic reasons, such as wanting to wear skirts or shorts in the summer to show off their legs. In such cases, their desire for treatment might be stronger. For some older individuals, they might not care as much, so the choice of undergoing surgery or opting for conservative treatment for Grade 2 varicose veins really depends on the patient's own wishes.

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Can varicose veins cause leg swelling?

Varicose veins are a broad concept that is clinically divided into seven grades, from 0 to 6. Grade 0 is normal, grade 1 involves some capillary dilation, grade 2 is marked by clear varicose veins, and from grade 3 onwards, edema can occur. Generally, the causes of varicose veins vary. Some people suffer from what is called simple superficial varicose veins, primarily due to problems with the valves in the superficial veins. These patients may experience mild edema, limited to the ankle area. Others suffer from secondary varicose veins, following dysfunction of the valves in the deep veins or communicating veins. In deep veins, there can be reflux or obstruction. In such cases, it is possible to cause compressible edema in the front of the lower leg, commonly known as shinbone area.

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Written by Chen Feng

Urology

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What are the symptoms of varicocele?

The symptoms of varicocele vary depending on the severity of the patient's condition. Clinically, most varicocele patients have no obvious symptoms or no symptoms at all, and varicocele is often discovered during physical examinations. A small percentage of varicocele patients exhibit noticeable symptoms. The primary symptom is a feeling of heaviness or discomfort in the testicles, especially after prolonged walking or standing. The pain becomes more pronounced, but it will decrease or even disappear after lying down and resting. Some varicocele patients may not show symptoms but present with infertility. Varicocele is then discovered through physical examinations or related medical tests.

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Written by Zhang Xue Min

Vascular Surgery

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Can people with varicose veins in the lower extremities drink alcohol?

The majority of patients with varicose veins in the lower limbs can drink alcohol in moderation, but should not drink excessively. However, there is one circumstance where it is advisable to check carefully before deciding whether to drink alcohol. This is the case if there are severe varicose veins in both lower limbs and even some clearly visible dilated veins on the abdomen. In such cases, it's recommended to check the liver first. This is because the veins from the lower limbs join to form a vein called the inferior vena cava, which passes through the liver to return to the heart. If there is a problem with the liver, it may compress the inferior vena cava, causing varicose veins on both sides. In this situation, drinking alcohol could further damage the liver, potentially worsening the varicose veins.

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Written by Zhang Xue Min

Vascular Surgery

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Will varicose veins recur and have sequelae after surgery?

After varicose vein surgery, there may be a recurrence, and there may also be sequelae. The main reason for recurrence is that we only close off the varicose veins, but the causes that lead to varicose veins are not removed, such as some people having a family history, some being involved in long-term physical labor, and some being excessively obese. If these factors are not eliminated, the patient is very likely to relapse. The recurring veins may be some other nearby superficial veins that some surgical methods did not remove but merely closed locally. These veins might also reopen, and sequelae are possible. The most common sequelae include nerve damage, such as saphenous nerve damage, which is quite common with an incidence rate of about 14%. The main symptom is numbness near the inner ankle, which might improve over time. Some people feel discomfort at the surgical site on rainy or cloudy days shortly after surgery, and if the deep veins are damaged during surgery, more severe consequences may occur, including poor reflux in the deep veins and deep vein thrombosis, etc.