[Antegrade scrotal embolization of varicocele: results]

The aim of this study is to judge the effectiveness of the new treatment of varicoceles, introduced in 1987 by Tauber: the antegradal scrotal sclerotherapy of varicoceles. From february 1996 to april 1998, we have realised 150 antegrade embolisations of varicoceles. The study is lead on 75 patients with mean time follow-up of 12 months. Patient's mean age is 20 years. 85% of patients had a grade 3 left varicocele and 15% a grade 2 left varicocele. The criterium of success rests on the lack of veinous flow-back during clinical examination, which is than confirmed by doppler-ultrasound. Clinical success is obtained in 87% of the cases and the doppler control is normal in 80% of the cases. We have 9% of minor complications, and no major complication. The number of failures in our study is higher than in Tauber' study, but is the same as those described in the other procedures of treatment of varicocele. On the other hand the surgical procedure is simple and the morbidity is low.