Pain relief after varicocele embolization: The patient's perspective. Issue 2 (11th February 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sheehan, Mark; Briody, Hayley; O'Neill, Damien C; Bowden, Dermot; Davis, Niall F; Given, Mark; Mohan, Ponnusamy; Lee, Michael J
• Is Part Of: Journal of medical imaging and radiation oncology. Volume 64:Issue 2(2020:Apr.)
• Page Start: 215
• Page End: 219
• Publication Date: 2020-02-11
• Subjects: embolization -- pain relief -- patient perspective -- varicocele; Radiology, Medical -- Periodicals; Radiology, Medical -- Australasia -- Periodicals; 616.0757
• DOI: 10.1111/1754-9485.13001
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1754-9477

Abstract

Abstract: Introduction: Long‐term efficacy of treatment with varicocele embolization is poorly documented from the patient's perspective. This study assessed patients' perceived changes in pain scores pre‐ and post‐testicular vein embolization. In addition, the effect of testicular vein embolization on quality of life (QoL) parameters was assessed. Methods: All patients treated with embolization for varicocele‐related orchalgia were analysed (2009–2015). A standardized pain impact questionnaire was used to assess pain scores pre‐ and post‐procedure. The primary outcome was to assess patients' pain relief post‐varicocele embolization. The secondary outcome was patients' perceived efficacy of the embolization procedure in terms of improvement in QoL parameters. Results: Sixty patients underwent varicocele embolization due to persistent orchalgia; of which 44 responded to the questionnaire. The mean pre‐procedural pain score was 5.4/10 (range of 1.5–9). Post‐procedure questionnaire was performed at a median of 58 months (range 28–106 months). At 1, 6 and 12 months post–procedure, the mean pain score was 1.57, 0.55 and 0.3, respectively. 50% ( n = 22) reported complete pain relief 1‐month post‐embolization while 89% ( n = 39) of patients reported complete resolution of pain at 1 year. Among the measured QoL parameters; varicocele embolization resulted in significant improvement in return to work, housework, socializing, exercise, sexual relations, and sleeping post‐embolization ( P < 0.01). Conclusion: Varicocele embolization results in a durable reduction in pain scores compared to their pre‐operative values. Information from this study will allow clinicians to convey the potential improvements in pain parameters to patients undergoing embolization of symptomatic varicoceles.