[New techniques for embolisation of the internal spermatic vein: intravenous tissue adhesive (author's transl)]

The diagnostic venography of the internal spermatic vein evaluating varicocele induced sterility in men, has become a standard procedure. It can now immediately be followed by a non-surgical treatment of this disease by means of a transcutaneous catheter embolisation. In this new technique use is made of isobutyl-2-cyanoacrylate (Bucrylate, Ethicon), a tissue adhesive. The method is relatively simple, safe and successful. Up to now 35 patients were cured according to this technique, once even bilaterally, on an out patient basis. The occlusion was complete in all cases as objectivated by a control venography directly after the embolisation, as well as by the normalisation of the clinical, thermographic, Doppler, hormonal and sperm findings.