Do you need to shave for varicocele surgery?

Shaving generally refers to skin preparation (preoperative depilation). Whether skin preparation is needed for varicocele surgery depends on the specific surgical approach. The details are as follows:

Common surgical procedures for varicocele include laparoscopic high ligation of the spermatic vein, inguinal open high ligation of the spermatic vein, and microscopic high ligation of the spermatic vein. If a laparoscopic high ligation procedure is performed, there are no surgical incisions in the perineal or inguinal regions, so the risk of postoperative infection is relatively low, and skin preparation may not be necessary. Patients are advised to rest adequately after surgery, avoid strenuous exercise, consume light and easily digestible foods, and maintain cleanliness at the wound site to prevent infection.

If an inguinal open high ligation procedure is performed, a surgical incision in the inguinal region is required, so preoperative skin preparation is necessary to reduce the risk of postoperative wound infection. For microscopic high ligation of the spermatic vein, the operation is performed at the base of the scrotum, where hair is dense. Without proper preoperative shaving, the surgery cannot be performed safely, and the risk of postoperative wound infection increases. Patients should keep the skin clean before surgery and cooperate with medical staff for skin preparation.

In addition, patients should follow medical instructions before surgery, including fasting and abstaining from fluids, and complete all necessary preoperative preparations to ensure the smooth progress of the operation.