Roberto Gandini MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Marcello Chiocchi, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Daniel Konda, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Enrico Pampana MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Luciano Maresca MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Giovanni Simonetti MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

To evaluate efficacy of trans-catheter foam sclerotherapy (TCFS) in pelvic varicocele using sodium-tetradecyl-sulphate (STS) foam.

38 patients (mean age: 36.9 years) with pelvic congestion syndrome (PCS) were treated between January 2000 and June 2005 by TCFS. Pelvic pain was associated to dyspareunia in 23 (60.5%) patients, mintional urgence in 9 (23.7%) patients and worsening of pain during menstruation and at the end of a day of work respectively in 7 (18.4%) and 38 (100%) patients. Diagnosis was made by pelvic and transvaginal color-Doppler US examination. TCFS was performed in all patients, using 3% STS foam. Follow-up was performed by physical examination, Doppler US examination and questionnaire-based assessment of pain at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months.

Technical success was achieved in all patients (100%). No recurrent varicoceles were observed during a 12-month follow-up. A statistically significant improvement in each category of specific symptoms was observed at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months after the procedure.

TCFS of female varicocele using a 3% STS foam is safe and effective in the treatment of PCS.

TCFS is associated with a significant reduction of symptoms and can be regarded as a valid alternative to other endovascular and surgical techniques.

Gandini, R, Chiocchi, M, Konda, D, Pampana, E, Maresca, L, Simonetti, G, Transcatheter Foam Sclerotherapy of Symptomatic Female Varicocele with Sodium-Tetradecyl-Sulphate Foam.  Radiological Society of North America 2007 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, November 25 - November 30, 2007 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2007/5015429.html