Transvenous embolization of internal spermatic veins: nonoperative approach to treatment of varicocele

Eleven men, shown on routine spermatic venography to have bilateral varicocele, underwent transjugular bilateral embolization of the internal spermatic veins with stainless steel coils or Ivalon plugs. Embolization of the left spermatic vein was successful in 9; in the other 2 it was not attempted because of aberrant drainage of the vein. Embolization of right spermatic vein was successful in 8 patients. There were three complications, none of which was serious. These preliminary results suggest that both internal spermatic veins can be occluded consistently by the transjugular approach. However, it has not yet been established that fertility is improved by detecting and correcting varicocele on the right side.