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u/fcbrobert

r/varicocele r/Kennzeichensammler
▲ 4 r/varicocele

Persistent varicocele after microsurgery – what next?

34M. I had a grade 3 left varicocele treated with microsurgical ligation on April 17, 2026. The surgeon ligated at least 6 veins.

Unfortunately, I still have significant pain, sometimes worse than before surgery. Doppler at ~3 months showed a remaining 4 mm vein with reflux. I also have a mild right-sided varicocele.

My surgeon recommends waiting for now, but mentioned possible redo surgery later. I’m also considering embolization.

Has anyone had persistent reflux/pain after microsurgery that still improved after 3–6+ months? And if not: redo microsurgery or embolization?

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u/fcbrobert — 2 days ago
▲ 11 r/varicocele

Persistent varicocele symptoms 10 weeks after microsurgery – normal or failed surgery?

Hi everyone,
I’m looking for experiences from people who have undergone a microsurgical varicocelectomy.

I am 34 and had a left-sided Grade 3 varicocele repaired about 10 weeks ago. During the first few weeks after surgery, my symptoms seemed to improve significantly, but after returning to the gym and lifting weights, the discomfort has gradually come back.

What worries me most is that I can still see and feel the classic “bag of worms” above my left testicle. It becomes much more noticeable when standing and almost disappears when lying down.

I also had a Doppler ultrasound 2 weeks after surgery, and the urologist still detected some reflux, although I’m not sure whether that was expected so soon after the procedure.

My questions are:
Is it normal to still feel and see the enlarged veins 10 weeks after a microsurgical varicocelectomy?
Did anyone have persistent reflux early after surgery that later resolved?
How long did it take before your veins shrank or your symptoms completely disappeared?

I’m starting to worry that the operation may have failed, but I don’t know if I’m overthinking it.
I’d really appreciate hearing about your experiences. Thanks!

u/fcbrobert — 2 months ago