[Percutaneous occlusion therapy of idiopathic varicocele as an alternative to operation]

Percutaneous sclerotherapy of varicocele is performed at the Kantonsspital of St. Gallen since 1983 as an alternative to the conventional operation. The main indication to treat varicocele was an associated fertility disorder. Success rate was around 60%. Adverse reactions of the treatment occurred in only 6.5%. The procedure can be done on an outpatient basis, is well tolerated by patients, economic and is associated with only minimal complications.