991 Managing Recurrent Bleeding from Varicose Veins of The Scrotum: A Case Report

Abstract

Abstract Introduction Spontaneous recurrent bleeding scrotal varicosity is a rare clinical presentation. The management is undefined and is usually anecdotal from previous case reports. The anatomy and pathophysiology of these presentations are usually complex hence resulting in atypical and challenging management options. To highlight this, we present a case of a patient with recurrent scrotal bleeding secondary to scrotal varicosities. Care report A 39-year-old gentleman with heart failure, 4 previous episodes of transient ischemic attacks and atrial fibrillation who was anticoagulated, presented with recurrent left sided scrotal bleeding from dilated superficial scrotal veins. In total, he had 11 presentations over 4 years requiring blood transfusion on 4 occasions. On one occasion the patient required 7 units of packed red blood cells transfused. He had a background of heart failure with hepatic congestion and ascites which failed medical management. Compression, adrenaline and tranexamic acid-soaked gauze, as well as over-sewing feeder vessels offered only short-term relief. His heart failure was difficult to optimise and stopping anticoagulation was not possible, even for a short period of time, due to the high risk of stroke in this patient. Venography revealed a prominent left testicular vein that extensively fed the scrotal veins with bilateral varicoceles. After discussion with the Vascular team, percutaneous coil embolization of the left testicular vein was performed with good results. He has had no significant scrotal bleeding since. Conclusions Managing bleeding scrotal varicose veins can be challenging. A multidisciplinary approach may be the most appropriate in managing these patients.