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Updated: Oct 2, 2026
Grade III Varicocele Surgical Treatment using Spermatic Vein-Superficial Abdominal Vein Shunt
Published on: August 23, 2024
Antegrade scrotal sclerotherapy in the treatment of varicocele: a prospective study
V Ficarra1, A B Porcaro, R Righetti
1Department of Urology, University of Verona, Italy. vincenzoficarra@hotmail.com
Objective:
To assess the results of our experience in correcting primary varicocele using a modified technique of antegrade scrotal sclerotherapy.
Patients And Methods:
From December 1997 to February 2000, 201 patients with primary varicocele underwent antegrade scrotal sclerotherapy. Before treatment all patients were evaluated by a physical examination, colour Doppler ultrasonography of the spermatic cord, and abdominal and scrotal ultrasonography. Sperm samples were analysed only in patients aged > 18 years. The treatment was administered using a special venous catheter system with a Y-adapter. Complications after treatment and the rate of persistence of reflux were assessed 3 and 6 months after the antegrade scrotal treatment, by clinical examination and colour-Doppler ultrasonography of the spermatic cord.
Results:
The mean operative duration was 15 min; there were no significant complications during treatment and all patients were discharged within 4 h. Complications after treatment occurred in 10 of the 201 patients (5%); four patients had epididymo-orchitis, three a scrotal haematoma, one a surgical wound infection, one persistent scrotal pain and one persistent flank pain on the same side as the surgery. Reflux was persistent in 12 patients (6%).
Conclusions:
Antegrade scrotal sclerotherapy is a simple, minimally invasive and highly effective technique for blocking spermatic vein reflux, with a low rate of complications. The technical changes simplified the cannulation of the spermatic vein and facilitated antegrade phlebography and sclerotherapy using the air-block technique.
