Varicocele Surgery

Anonymous865 · May 6, 2015

These are questions you need to be asking your surgeon

Do not consent to surgery until your doctor has answered all your questions to your satisfaction. If he can't or won't, then find a different surgeon.

Whether you have a catheter will depend on how the surgeon plans to do the surgery and his preferences.

Ask the surgeon how he plans on doing the surgery. Ask him if there are any non-surgical options (e.g. embolization). Ask him why he is recommending what he is.

If something is important to you, make sure you discuss it with the surgeon.

If you won't consent to a catheter, talk to the surgeon before you schedule the surgery. If he tells you that you won't need a catheter, be sure to ask him if there could be some unforeseen circumstance where he would decide to insert a catheter.

There will not be any place on the surgical consent to refuse a catheter. The consent is usually something like my doctor has discussed what he is planning and I consent to the variocelectomy. If my doctor finds something unexpected, I consent to him treating that. (Of course it will be worded more formally.)

If you are worried about being exposed in the OR, talk to your surgeon about that. You could also talk to the anesthesia provider about that. My experience is that anesthesia always orders an anti-anxiety drug be given in the pre-op holding area. Most people don't even remember being rolled into the OR. If you are anxious tell your providers.

If you are worried about a scar, ask the surgeon where the incision will be and how big it will be.

If you are worried about pain, ask the surgeon how much pain you can expect and how it will be managed.

No 2 people want the same amount of information, so your doctor can't know what information you want unless you ask. Don't worry about whether someone will think the question is dumb or silly.

Don't be afraid to advocate for what you need.

Also don't be afraid to get a second opinion.

You need to be comfortable that you have made the right decision for you based on your values and treatment goals.

lopalopa · May 6, 2015

Surgery seems to be the only solution. May be I need to have a second opinion done.

Thanks for taking the time to respond. I will certainly do that. Just a little anxious.

Do they do the prep when I am asleep?

Can I go in with underpants and have them remove it when I am out/asleep? Just too shy, not used to being sick and admitted.

Regarding the Cath thing, I will talk to my doctor, however I also read Caths being inserted with the team around and patient awake. I feel sad for myself, wonder why it's me that's having a Varicocele.

I hope the nurses take good care of me and my modesty. I will tell the circulating nurse as I think they are understanding. At the same time I don't want to get too fussy. I read threads where nurses get pissed off and don't care about modesty thereafter.

roser13, ASN, RN · May 6, 2015

I think a second opinion would be a good idea for your situation. You have a lot of concerns.

While we cannot give you medical advice, I will advise this: Do not attempt to dictate or micro-manage your medical/surgical care. You as a patient are not qualified to second guess what measures will be required to perform an effective and safe procedure. That's why you hire a surgeon - for his/her experience and knowledge. Would you ever attempt to tell a surgeon what size of scalpel to use? If a catheter is required for your safety and for best practice, you will receive a catheter.

FineAgain · May 6, 2015

And trust me when I say this. A member/scrotum is no different to us than a thumb or any other body part.

lopalopa · May 6, 2015

Yes, may be to you'll.But it's difficult for me, especially when all I have is a thin gown that can be lifted anytime. It can be humiliating.

Its feels embarrassing to have a Cath and being prepped in full view. I wonder why some nursing teams are so concerned about inner wear. It's so easy to undo them when asleep.

lopalopa · May 6, 2015

Thank you for your response. I'm glad that some nurses like you really care about patient comfort.

I am very stressed about the embarrasment issue. Hope all goes well.

Seaofclouds, BSN, RN · May 6, 2015

I understand your concerns and your embarrassment, but please understand that there are many reasons for some prep to be done prior to entering the operating room. While it may seem easy to remove your underwear once you are on the table and asleep, you have to understand that once in the operating room, the people in the room are often "sterile", meaning they have washed their hands in a specific way and put on sterile gowns and gloves. There is also equipment in the room that is sterile. You are not sterile and them touching you to remove your underwear once you are asleep would cause them to no longer be sterile.

You can discuss this with the staff when you have your procedure. Ask them if you can leave your underwear on for as long as possible, but please be understanding when they say it's time for them to come off. They will do everything they can to maintain your privacy and dignity while taking care of you.

lopalopa · May 6, 2015

Thanks for your message. That was really helpful and makes me feel a lot more comfortable.

Can I ask, do incontinence issues factor in during surgery and is the cath painful ? Will an experienced nurse do the Cath?

lopalopa · May 6, 2015

My relatives tell me that Caths are painful and best done by a urologist/experienced nurse. Can this be requested? I can't imagine being cathed at 24. I have seen my grandpapa and he was in pain.

Editorial Team / Admin · May 6, 2015

Hello,

We can tell you are quite anxious about the surgery and have been not adequately advised about the procedure as well as what happens in the Surgery unit by your Healthcare Provider(s).

You need to pose all questions/concerns to your Surgeon. We cannot provide the medical advice you require per Terms of Service. You've received some good replies, so please speak with your Surgeon.

We wish you well.