Patient's question:
I recently don't know why my lower body is very uncomfortable, and I also don't get morning erections anymore. Can varicocele be treated with the Gua Sha operation?Doctor's answer:
Hello, the Nutcracker phenomenon is caused by compression of the left renal vein when it enters the angle between the abdominal aorta and the superior mesenteric artery. It is characterized by non-glomerular hematuria or orthostatic proteinuria, hence it is also known as the left renal vein compression syndrome. The Nutcracker phenomenon is more common in adolescents, especially tall and slender individuals. Blood from the left spermatic vein first flows into the left renal vein, then into the inferior vena cava, and finally reaches the heart. If the left renal vein is compressed, it will inevitably lead to obstruction of blood, causing blood stasis in the left spermatic vein. Additionally, the connection between the left renal vein and the left spermatic vein lacks valves. When the left renal vein is compressed, blood may flow backward into the left spermatic vein, further exacerbating blood stasis. Over time, this can lead to dilatation, tortuosity, and elongation of the left spermatic vein, forming varicocele. The Nutcracker phenomenon is a significant cause of varicocele. Patients with varicocele caused by the Nutcracker phenomenon often do not achieve ideal results with simple high ligation of the spermatic vein, as the surgery does not relieve the compression of the left renal vein. Therefore, treating varicocele on the basis of relieving the compression of the left renal vein can yield good outcomes.