Related Experiment Videos
High ligation or embolization of varicocele
Israel Journal of Medical Sciences
|December 1, 1986
Summary
Varicocele, a common cause of scrotal pain and infertility, can be effectively treated with embolization. This minimally invasive procedure, performed via the jugular vein, offers a safe and feasible outpatient option with a low recurrence rate.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Interventional Radiology
Background:
- Varicocele is a frequent cause of male infertility and scrotal pain.
- Radionuclide scanning is an effective diagnostic tool for varicocele.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of percutaneous embolization for varicocele treatment.
- To compare embolization with traditional high ligation of the internal spermatic vein.
Main Methods:
- Percutaneous venography via the jugular vein followed by embolization with Gianturco coils.
- High ligation of the internal spermatic vein as a primary or secondary treatment.
- Post-treatment radionuclide scanning for recurrence assessment.
Main Results:
- Varicocele was confirmed in 121 of 123 patients presenting with scrotal pain or infertility.
- Embolization was successful in 84 patients, with only two recurrences (2.1%) observed in 95 treated patients.
- High ligation was performed in 29 patients retrospectively and in eight patients due to embolization difficulties.
- Eleven patients underwent embolization after failed high ligation, demonstrating feasibility of repeat procedures.
Conclusions:
- Percutaneous embolization is a safe, effective, and minimally invasive outpatient treatment for varicocele.
- Embolization has a low recurrence rate and does not preclude future high ligation if necessary.
- Re-embolization is a viable option for recurrent varicoceles.