Dimitrios Filippiadis MD, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

George Steinhauer, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Victoria Kartsouni, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Vlassis Mertikopoulos, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

To evaluate the efficacy of percutaneous transcatheter varicocele treatment in a total of 11 patients.

From 1/2003 until 4/2006 11 percutaneous embolizations of internal spermatic vein with oversized coils were performed (11 patients). Indication was sterility and varicocele presence (in U/S). All cases involved left internal spermatic vein. Under local anesthetic (Lidocaine 2%, 10cc) and Fluoroscopy, embolization was performed with the use of 6-12 oversized coils. Prophylactic antibiotics were given.

Follow-up lasted from 8 months to 3 years (mean 14 months), varying according to patient’s clinical course and succeed of parturition. Complete embolization of testicular vein was possible in all 11 of our patients (100% technical success). 3 patients (27.3%) within a 2 years period reported parturition. In the remaining 8 patients, although no recurrence of varicocele has occurred, parturition was not reported. No complication was noticed.

Percutaneous embolization of internal spermatic vein with coils seems efficient and safe method for varicocele treatment (100% technical success), leading to parturition in approximately 1/3 of cases (27.3%). Complications are infrequent. Percutaneous embolization techniques have a recurrence rate of 4-11%, comparing favorably to the surgical recurrence rates of 5-20%.

Coils used in percutaneous embolization of internal spermatic vein should be oversized because gonadal veins engorge and widen with daily activity.

Filippiadis, D, Steinhauer, G, Kartsouni, V, Mertikopoulos, V, Use of Oversized Coils for Percutaneous Transcatheter Varicocele Treatment: Clinical Experience and Results.  Radiological Society of North America 2007 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, November 25 - November 30, 2007 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2007/5014034.html