Testicular venogram Patient information leaflet (181kB pdf)
Introduction
We hope this guide will answer your questions about your testicular venogram. Please contact the team if you require further information via the details at the end of this leaflet.
What is a testicular venogram?
A testicular venogram is an investigation to look at the veins supplying blood to the testes using x-rays and x-ray dye (contrast medium). This is to detect any abnormalities with the veins around the testes.
Why do I need a testicular venogram?
The venogram will provide us with the information required to see if you require any further treatment such as embolisation, surgery or medication. There are other tests that can provide us with information about your veins, such as ultrasound, which provide useful information, and you may already have had some other tests performed. It is felt that in your case the best way of obtaining the amount of detail required is by Venography.
Who will be doing the testicular venogram?
Your venogram will be performed by a specially trained x-ray doctor called a Radiologist. Radiologists have special expertise in interpreting the images produced and in treating patient’s blood vessels. The Radiologist will be assisted throughout the procedure by Radiographers who are specially trained to operate the imaging equipment and Radiology nurses; who will assist the radiologist and look after you throughout your venogram.
What are the associated risks?
X-Ray radiation: All x-ray procedures involve exposure to radiation in varying amounts. The dose you get from a medical x-ray is very low and your doctor along with the radiologists have determined that the benefits of having the examination outweigh potential risks. The radiographer is present throughout your test making sure that the radiation dose is kept as low as reasonably possible and the duration and level of x-rays are kept to a minimum.
Allergic reaction: A very small number of patients have an allergic reaction to the contrast medium (X-ray dye). This can be minor, severe, or even life threatening but the chances of this occurring are very rare, if you get an itchy rash or difficulty breathing during the procedure tell a member of staff, the team will provide appropriate treatment. Before your examination begins the radiographer will ask you a series of questions about your medical history, including any allergies you may have. This will help us assess if you are at risk of an allergic reaction to the x-ray dye.
Procedure: Venography is considered a very safe procedure, designed to obtain sufficient information about your circulation to allow you and your doctors to make an informed decision about your future treatment. There are some slight risks and possible complications involved. There may occasionally be a small bruise, called a haematoma, around the site where the needle has been inserted, and this is quite normal.
Preparing for your procedure
You may be asked not to eat for four hours before the procedure, although you may still drink clear fluids such as water. Please continue to take all medications that can be taken with water only. If you are an insulin-dependent diabetic, do not take your insulin in the morning; please bring it with you to the hospital. Please contact the booking team before your appointment if:
- you have had a previous allergic reaction to contrast medium (X-ray dye) or are allergic to iodine.
- you weigh over 30 stone/190 kilograms
- you plan on using hospital transport or need a hoist to transfer
- you require an interpreter – please inform us as soon as you receive your appointment letter, and we will arrange an interpreter for you
- If you are taking METFORMIN please call the department in advance.
If you are unsure or have questions about your preparation, contact your doctor or the X-ray department for advice.
Allergies
If you have any allergies you must inform your doctor. If you have previously reacted to x-ray dye (contrast) you must tell your doctor about this.
Medication
Please contact the radiology department if you are taking blood thinning medication (anti coagulants) such as Warfarin, Aspirin, Rivaroxaban, Dabigatran, Apixaban, Edoxaban or Clopidogrel, Ticagrelor. You may be asked to stop or be given alternative medication.
Getting to us
Once you have arrived at The Princess Alexandra Hospital (Hamstel Road, Harlow, Essex,
CM20 1QX), follow the signage to the radiology reception, which is located on the ground floor, green zone. Please let the radiology receptionist know that you have arrived for your appointment.
When should I arrive?
Please arrive in the radiology department at your given appointment time. A notification
through text or letter should have been sent to you to confirm this appointment.
Can someone stay with me in hospital?
You may have a friend or relative attend with you, but they will be asked to stay in
the waiting area while you have your procedure.
Children are not allowed in the waiting area unattended. Our staff are not permitted to
supervise children, so please ensure child care arrangements are in place to avoid your
tests being rescheduled.
The day of the procedure
You will be shown to a cubicle and asked to undress and put on a gown; please bring a dressing gown if you have one. You may also be asked to remove jewellery, dentures, glasses, or other metal objects, which may show up on the X-rays.
The procedure
Your identification will be checked by a nurse and radiographer, a brief history will be taken; please tell the radiologist what medication, severe allergies, choking episodes or other medical conditions, such as thyroid disease and diabetes you may have. Before the procedure, the interventional radiologist will explain the procedure and ask you to sign a consent form. Please feel free to ask any questions that you may have and, remember that even at this stage, you can decide against going ahead with the procedure if you so wish. You will then be taken into the X-ray room where you will be asked to lie down on the X-ray table. The nurse will paint the groin or neck area with cold antiseptic skin preparation and cover the groin or neck area with sterile towels to keep the area clean. We will also be taking your blood pressure and pulse at intervals throughout the procedure. A small injection of local anaesthetic will be given in the skin at the chosen area. This will sting at first and then go numb. A small tube is then passed into the vein in your neck or groin via a small needle and wire. You may feel some pushing at this stage, but it should not be painful. You must tell the radiologist if you are in pain, as we can help by giving you more local anaesthetic. Once the tube is in position, an injection of x ray contrast/dye will be injected via the tube to show the veins in the testes. You may feel a warm sensation in the groin area; this is normal. The radiologist will take some x-rays of the area under investigation. Your nurse, radiographer and radiologist will be with you the whole time during the procedure and will explain what is happening or what you need to do on the day. If you have any questions or concerns, it is OK to ask.
How long will this take?
The procedure may take over 30 minutes, although you will be in the department for a longer period to ensure no there have been no complications.
Is it uncomfortable?
This procedure is not painful but, it can be uncomfortable.
After the procedure
Once the radiologist is happy the procedure is complete, the tube will be removed. The radiologist may then have to press on the area for a few minutes to prevent any bleeding and minimise bruising. You will be taken to the recovery area where you will be kept under observation for about an hour or until the staff are happy you are well enough to go home. A nurse will carry out routine observations, such as taking your pulse and blood pressure, to make sure there are no problems. If you have any pain following the procedure, we may give you some pain-relief medication.
Can I drive after my procedure?
We recommend that you do not drive for twenty-four hours and you ask a friend or relative to drive you home following your procedure.
How soon can I return to work?
This will depend on the individual, but most patients recover within one week. However, we recommend that you avoid heavy lifting and strenuous exercise for the first 48 hours after your procedure. You may also be required to refrain from sexual intercourse for a few days as you may experience some discomfort of the testes and groin area.
What do I do if I feel unwell after I have gone home
If you feel unwell after your procedure, you should seek medical advice from your GP/ hospital doctor or through the emergency department and inform them that you have had a procedure.
Contacting the team
- If you have any further questions about your procedure or an existing appointment, please contact the radiology department (Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm) at 01279 82 2527 or 3405
- If you have any queries outside of working hours (after 4pm and on weekends), you will be redirected to the main radiology reception. Please note appointment bookings cannot be made during this time.
Your feedback matters
- If you would like to give feedback on your care, please contact our patient experience team at [email protected] or 01279 827211.
- Please contact the communications team at [email protected] if you would like this leaflet in another language or format.