Recurrent varicocele: role of antegrade sclerotherapy as first choice treatment

OBJECTIVE: To underline the role of antegrade sclerotherapy as first choice treatment in recurrent varicocele. METHODS: In 53 patients, aged 11-38 years, observed over a 30-month period, antegrade sclerotherapy was carried out for the treatment of recurrent varicocele. In seven of these patients, varicocele was bilateral. The right varicocele, however, had not been previously detected and these patients were, therefore, submitted to simultaneous bilateral antegrade sclerotherapy. RESULTS: Antegrade sclerotherapy was feasible in all 53 patients (60 varicoceles) and no significant complications were observed. Unsuccessful results occurred in only two out of the 55 varicoceles observed over a minimum follow-up period of six months. CONCLUSIONS: Whilst antegrade sclerotherapy is recognized as a low-cost, safe and effective method in the management of varicocele, the success rate in recurrent varicocele is even greater than in primary varicocele. If, in the preceding treatment, the internal spermatic vein has presumably been occluded (percutaneous retrograde sclerotherapy, surgical or laparoscopic retroperitoneal ligation of the entire bundle), antegrade sclerotherapy should be considered the treatment of choice.     

Simultaneous microsurgical spermatic vein ligation and sclerotherapy. a combined procedure for the treatment of recurrent or persistent varicocele.

OBJECTIVES: Microsurgical ligation as well as antegrade sclerotherapy have been established in varicocele treatment. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether a combination of microsurgery and sclerotherapy can provide a safe and effective treatment of varicocele recurrence or persistence. METHODS: Nine patients with recurrent or persistent varicoceles were operated by means of the combination method. Under microscopic control varix veins were ligated selectively preserving lymphatics and arteries. Ectopic veins as a possible source for varicocele persistence or recurrence were also ligated. Finally, an intraoperative venography with subsequent sclerotherapy was performed through one of the dissected veins. RESULTS: Despite difficult anatomical situations after previous surgical interventions, the operations were performed successfully without any complications. Clinical controls showed varicocele disappearance without damage of the testis. No varicocele recurrence or persistence was observed. CONCLUSIONS: This method combines the advantages of both methods. Precision of the microsurgical technique is combined with velocity of sclerotherapy. Thus, it may represent an interesting alternative to conventional operation methods especially in the treatment of recurrent or persistent varicoceles.     

Retrograde venography and embolization in postoperative recurrence of varicocele

Percutaneous retrograde venography was performed in 10 patients with recurrent varicocele after surgical ligation (the Ivanissevich operation) of the spermatic vein. Combined scleroembolization with Thrombovar plus steel coils was performed in 8 patients. In two other patients either sclerotherapy or embolization only was made depending on their anatomical peculiarities. No recurrences were seen during 6-60 months of follow-up in 9 patients in whom the occlusion of all venous feeders was technically successful. It was concluded that embolization was a minimally invasive and effective procedure and hence the transcatheter treatment should be considered a method of choice for post-surgical recurrent varicocele.     

精索静脉曲张复发原因及治疗(附35例报告)

目的：探讨精索静脉曲张复发原因及其治疗。方法：对35例左精索静脉曲张经外科手术结扎或栓塞治疗后复发患者，行左精索静脉造影。结果：35例均发现有迷走血管供血，为迷走供血性精索静脉曲张（AFV）。结论：AFV为精索静脉曲张复发的主要原因。可以通过硬化剂栓塞侧支静脉降低静脉曲张复发率，而对不能栓塞的血管实施联合手术结扎能取得良好疗效。     

Treatment of varicoceles in childhood and adolescence with Tauber's antegrade scrotal sclerotherapy

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate surgical complications and the outcome of grade II and III varicoceles treated with Tauber's antegrade scrotal sclerotherapy. METHODS: A total of 21 patients with a median age of 13 (range, 10 to 21) years and left-sided grade II and III varicoceles were treated with Tauber's antegrade scrotal sclerotherapy and underwent follow-up over a median period of 23 months (range, 9 to 35). RESULTS: One grade II varicocele persisted after antegrade sclerotherapy for 6 months. After a second sclerotherapy 6 months later, no further recurrence was detected. One patient with a grade II to III varicocele had a grade I varicocele recurrence 14 months after operation. Three patients showed a slight hydrocele postoperatively. CONCLUSION: This limited series indicates that Tauber's antegrade scrotal sclerotherapy is a safe and effective treatment for grade II and III varicoceles in children and adolescents.     

Treatment of varicocele: a prospective randomized comparison of laparoscopy versus antegrade sclerotherapy

OBJECTIVES: To compare the therapeutic success, the morbidity and the costs of antegrade sclerotherapy versus laparoscopic varicocelectomy. METHODS: Seventy-six consecutive varicocele patients were randomly assigned to two treatment arms. Preoperative and 3 month postoperative sperm density, motility and morphology were analysed. The diagnosis of the varicocele was established clinically and with Doppler ultrasonography. RESULTS: Fifty-eight patients treated by either of the two methods were followed up. The recurrence rate increased progressively with the size of the varicocele in both groups. The postoperative incidence of complications particularly hydrocele formation was significantly higher in the laparoscopic group. The costs of the disposable material for laparoscopic varicocelectomy was twice as high as for sclerotherapy. CONCLUSIONS: Antegrade sclerotherapy is the less invasive treatment method of male varicocele with lower costs and better outcome and should therefore be the preferred treatment method for male varicocele.     

Percutaneous embolization of varicocele in children: A Canadian experience

Background/Purpose: The importance of early treatment of varicocele, to prevent testicular damage is widely accepted. Surgical treatment of varicocele has been the standard method of therapy, but recently a less invasive procedure was introduced and utilized mostly in Europe. The authors reviewed their experience with percutaneous embolization and sclerotherapy to assess the feasibility and outcome of this approach in children. Methods: The authors conducted a retrospective study including all patients who underwent percutaneous embolization and sclerotherapy for varicocele in the authors' institutions for the last 10 years. Clinical data, investigation, pre and postintervention management, and the technique of the procedure, including sedation and anesthesia when needed, were collected from the charts. Follow-up was obtained from the chart or by phone. Results: Between 1991 and 2001, 41 patients underwent 43 percutaneous interventions. The median age was 14 years (range, 10 to 20 years). All but 2 were injected with a sclerosing agent; in 26 cases coils were added. All procedures except one were done under local anesthesia with sedation. Only 2 patients were admitted overnight, and 5 patients had minor complications. The average procedure time was 55 minutes. Follow-up data were obtained in 39 patients (95%), with a mean follow-up of 22 months. A total of 89.1% of those who were injected have satisfactory results (cured or improved) without the need for further procedures. Six patients required surgery post[ndash ]percutaneous procedure, 4 because of persistent or recurrent varicocele and 2 because of technical failure. Conclusions: Percutaneous embolization is a safe and effective treatment of varicocele in children with technical success in 95% and therapeutic success in 89%. It now is the authors' first treatment modality for this disease.     

Antegrade scrotal sclerotherapy in the treatment of varicocele: a prospective study

OBJECTIVE: To assess the results of our experience in correcting primary varicocele using a modified technique of antegrade scrotal sclerotherapy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From December 1997 to February 2000, 201 patients with primary varicocele underwent antegrade scrotal sclerotherapy. Before treatment all patients were evaluated by a physical examination, colour Doppler ultrasonography of the spermatic cord, and abdominal and scrotal ultrasonography. Sperm samples were analysed only in patients aged > 18 years. The treatment was administered using a special venous catheter system with a Y-adapter. Complications after treatment and the rate of persistence of reflux were assessed 3 and 6 months after the antegrade scrotal treatment, by clinical examination and colour-Doppler ultrasonography of the spermatic cord. RESULTS: The mean operative duration was 15 min; there were no significant complications during treatment and all patients were discharged within 4 h. Complications after treatment occurred in 10 of the 201 patients (5%); four patients had epididymo-orchitis, three a scrotal haematoma, one a surgical wound infection, one persistent scrotal pain and one persistent flank pain on the same side as the surgery. Reflux was persistent in 12 patients (6%). CONCLUSIONS: Antegrade scrotal sclerotherapy is a simple, minimally invasive and highly effective technique for blocking spermatic vein reflux, with a low rate of complications. The technical changes simplified the cannulation of the spermatic vein and facilitated antegrade phlebography and sclerotherapy using the air-block technique.     

Adolescent varicocele: Tauber antegrade sclerotherapy versus Palomo repair

PURPOSE: There is general agreement on treatment for varicocele in pediatric patients. Randomized prospective studies have shown that anatomical and functional lesions may be corrected. Due to the impossibility of seminal examination patients with moderate to large varicocele or ipsilateral testicular hypertrophy, characterized by a change in testicular consistency or symptoms, should undergo surgical correction. The best therapeutic approach is still under discussion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: At 2 centers 2 therapeutic approaches to varicocele treatment in pediatric patients were compared, namely the Palomo repair and antegrade sclerotherapy according to Tauber. The 89 patients from the same geographical area elected 1 procedure after an explanation. From the medical records we retrospectively evaluated operative time, postoperative analgesics, postoperative fever onset, complications, convalescence, recurrence and postoperative hydrocele. RESULTS: After Palomo repair in 45 patients there were 2 recurrences (4.4%) and 2 postoperative hydroceles (4.4%). Of 44 antegrade sclerotherapy cases 1 was converted to Palomo repair, there was no hydrocele formation and recurrence developed in 2 (4.5%). Testicular atrophy was not observed in any patient regardless of the method used. The cost of the procedure was lower in the sclerotherapy group. CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that the failure rate was similar in both groups. The principal advantages of sclerotherapy are simplicity, decreased cost and lack of hydrocele formation.     

Varicocele sclerotherapy improves serum inhibin B levels and seminal parameters

The usefulness of treating varicocele in order to improve fertility is still a matter of debate. The aim of this study was to evaluate variations in seminal parameters and inhibin B concentrations in a group of males affected by varicocele and treated by percutaneous retrograde sclerotherapy in comparison with a group of patients who did not undergo varicocele treatment. Thirty-eight patients with left varicocele underwent spermatic vein phlebography and percutaneous retrograde sclerotherapy with hydroxy-polyaethoxy-dodecanol. Serum inhibin B, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), testosterone levels and seminal parameters (sperm concentration, motility and morphology) were performed before and 6 months after sclerotherapy. Forty patients with left varicocele who did not undergo sclerotherapy were studied as controls. A significant increase (p < 0.01) in serum inhibin B levels and a significant decrease (p < 0.05) in FSH levels were observed 6 months after treatment. Semen analysis showed a significant improvement in sperm concentration (p < 0.05) and progressive motility (p < 0.01) after treatment. In control group no significant variations in hormonal and seminal parameters were observed 6 months after the basal examination. Six months after the basal evaluation, inhibin B levels were significantly higher in treated subjects than in controls (p < 0.05) whereas FSH levels were significantly lower (p < 0.05). Sperm concentration and progressive motility were significantly increased (p < 0.05 and p < 0.001, respectively) in treated subjects in comparison with controls. In conclusion, varicocele sclerotherapy improves inhibin B levels and seminal parameters, confirming the positive effect of this treatment on spermatogenesis and Sertoli cell function.     

Induction of spermatogenesis in men with azoospermia or severe oligoteratoasthenospermia after antegrade internal spermatic vein sclerotherapy for the treatment of varicocele

Aim:To evaluate the treatment outcome of antegrade internal spermatic vein sclerotherapy in men with non-obstruc-tive azoospermia or severe oligoteratoasthenospermia(OTA)as a result of varicocele.Methods:Between September1995 and January 2004,47 patients(mean age 33.8±6.3 years)underwent antegrade internal spermatic vein sclero-therapy for the treatment of varicocele with azoospermia(14 patients)or severe OTA(33 patients).Testicular corebiopsy was also performed in complete azoospermic patients who provided informed consent.The outcome wasassessed in terms of improvement in semen parameters and conception rate.Results:Forty-two(89.4%)of 47patients had bilateral varicocele,Serum follicle stimulating hormone(FSH)did not differ between patients withazoospermia and severe OTA.After the follow-up of 24.8±9.2 months,significant improvement was noted in meansperm concentration,motility and morphology in 35 patients(74.5%).Comparison between groups during thefollow-up revealed significantly higher values of sperm concentration,motility and normal morphology in the severeOTA group.Pregnancy was achieved in 14 cases(29.8%).Testicular histopathology of the azoospermic patientswith postoperative induction of spermatogenesis revealed maturation arrest at spermatid stage,Sertoli-cell-only(SCO)with focal spermatogenesis or hypospermatogenesis.None of the patients with pure SCO pattern or maturation arrestat spermatocyte stage achieved spermatogenesis after the treatment.Preoperative serum FSH levels didn't relate totreatment outcome.Conclusion:Antegrade internal spermatic vein sclerotherapy is an easy and effective treatmentfor symptomatic varicocele.It can significantly reverse testicular dysfunction and improve spermatogenesis in menwith severe OTA,as well as induce sperm production in men with azoospermia,improving pregnancy rates insubfertile couples.(Asian J Androl 2006 Sep;8:613-619)     

Challenging the role of cremasteric reflux in the pathogenesis of varicocele using a new venographic approach

PURPOSE: Cremasteric or extrafunicular reflux is considered by many a major cause of primary and recurrent varicocele. Therefore, surgical techniques that allow ligation of the intrafunicular and extrafunicular veins are often performed. We evaluated the incidence of cremasteric reflux in patients with primary or recurrent varicocele with a new and simple venographic technique. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A series of 73 patients with primary (54) or recurrent (19) varicocele underwent venography of the left iliac vein while standing and performing Valsalva's maneuver to reveal the possible presence of reflux in cremasteric or other extrafunicular veins. In patients with recurrent varicocele antegrade transcrotal spermatic venography was also performed immediately before surgery. RESULTS: None of the patients presented with reflux of contrast material from the left iliac vein to the left pampiniform plexus via the extrafunicular veins. Cremasteric veins, in particular, were always continent at the confluence with the epigastric vein even when grossly dilated at spermatic antegrade venography in recurrent cases. CONCLUSIONS: Cremasteric reflux seems to have a limited role if any in the pathogenesis of primary and even recurrent varicocele. Dilatation of the extrafunicular veins is not necessarily a sign of reflux but may represent only a consequence of venous overflow due to insufficiency of the internal spermatic vein and possibly partial obstruction of the left iliac vein. The rationale of surgical treatments aimed at ligation of the extrafunicular veins should be questioned.     

Intravenous methylene blue venography during laparoscopic paediatric varicocelectomy

Introduction

One of the challenges of varicocele surgery is to prevent hydrocele formation while still ensuring success. Methylene blue has been used to identify and preserve lymphatic vessels, and venography has been a standard component of sclerotherapy and percutaneous retrograde techniques. The authors have combined both approaches during laparoscopic varicocelectomy and report their experience.

Methods

A prospective study was performed of adolescents with idiopathic varicocele and spontaneous venous reflux on Doppler ultrasound. A pampiniform plexus vein was cannulated via scrotal incision before creating the pneumoperitoneum. A mixture of methylene blue and Omnipaque™ was injected into the pampiniform plexus with fluoroscopic screening. Laparoscopic selective vein ligation was then performed using 5 mm endoscopic clips or a bipolar vessel sealing device such as Plasmakinetic™ or Ligasure™. Venography was repeated to confirm complete ligation of the internal testicular veins. Patients were followed-up at 3, 6, and 9 months post-surgery with clinical examination and Doppler ultrasound. Data are presented as median (interquartile range).

Results

Twenty-four patients underwent laparoscopic selective vein ligation with venography and methylene blue injection. The median age was 14.7 (14.6–15.7) years. The recurrence rate was 12%. No patients developed a hydrocele. The length of surgery was 120 (100–126) minutes.

Conclusion

Intra-operative intra-venous methylene blue injection and venography helps to identify venous duplications of the internal testicular veins and enhances the success rate of laparoscopic selective vein ligation. This approach prevents hydrocele formation but has a 12% recurrence rate, which appears to be higher than some techniques described in the literature.     

Percutaneous treatment of varicocele

Varicocele is a common finding in adolescents and adult men. Its association with male infertility has been well documented: varicoceles are reported to be present in 20-40% of infertile men. It has been demonstrated that varicocele correction leads to an improvement in the quality of semen in most cases. Percutaneous sclerotherapy is an established treatment method for varicocele performed on an outpatient basis. In our report we review our experience with venographic study and transcatheter sclerotherapy based on 560 cases of infertile patients with varicocele. Our study confirms that percutaneous therapy of varicocele may lead to improved spermatogenesis in the majority of patients.     

Treatment of varicocele: randomized prospective study on open surgery versus Tauber antegrade sclerotherapy

The goal of this randomized prospective study in patients with varicocele was to evaluate the outcome following open surgery with inguinal approach versus antegrade sclerotherapy according to the Tauber procedure. From January 2002 to November 2003, we recruited 64 patients with left varicocele for this study. All patients were clinically examined, before surgery and again 8 months postsurgery, by objective examination, scrotal color Doppler ultrasound, and semen analysis. These patients were randomized in a balanced 4-block pattern: depending on randomization, the patients underwent open surgery (group A: 32 patients) or antegrade sclerotherapy according to the Tauber procedure (group B: 32 patients). At the current follow-up, it is possible to evaluate all the patients for whom we have preoperative and postoperative Doppler imaging and semen analysis. An analysis of seminal parameters shows a statistically significant improvement of the rate of fast progressive spermatozoa (P < .05) and reduction in immotile spermatozoa (P < .01) in those patients who underwent sclerotherapy compared to the patients who underwent open surgery. The outcomes of all other parameters (number and morphology) are fully comparable. Operating time is decidedly shorter for antegrade sclerotherapy (P < .01), but there are no significant differences in terms of early or late postoperative complications. It is widely known that varicocele is a condition found in 9% to 23% of the male population around the world; this percentage rises to 40% among infertile males. The treatment of this condition not only resolves clinical symptoms but also stops continuous damage to spermatogenesis, thereby potentially improving fertility. Our experience demonstrates that sclerotherapy (Tauber procedure) combines shorter surgical time and faster recovery of normal daily activities with significant improvement in sperm motility.     

Modified antegrade scrotal sclerotherapy in adolescent patients with varicocele

Background/Purpose

The aim of this study is to evaluate the tolerability, safety, and efficacy of a modified antegrade scrotal sclerotherapy in the treatment of varicocele in adolescent patients.

Methods

From 1998 to 2001, 45 consecutive adolescent patients (average age, 15.26 ± 1.29; range, 13 to 17 years) underwent modified antegrade scrotal sclerotherapy for varicocele at the authors’ department. All patients were evaluated pre- and postoperatively by physical examination and color Doppler ultrasonography of spermatic cords and testis. All treatments were performed under local anaesthesia by a single surgeon. Complication and reflux persistence rates were assessed 6 and 12 months after treatment.

Results

The mean operating time was 15 minutes. No patient required general anaesthesia during the treatment. No intraoperative complication was recorded, and all patients were discharged within 4 hours. The patients returned to normal school activity within 48 hours. No complication was observed during the follow-up. Six and 12 months after surgery, only 1 patient had a reflux persistence (2.2%).

Conclusions

Modified antegrade scrotal sclerotherapy was well tolerated in our adolescent patients under local anesthesia. The procedure is simple, rapid, safe, and effective. The possibility to perform this treatment under local anesthesia decreases the hospitalization time and allows the rapid return to school activity in this particular category of patients.     

Testicular removal due to haemmorhagic infarction after antegrade sclerotherapy according to Tauber for varicocele

Summary A 38-year-old patient with a grade 3 testicular varicocele was treated by antegrade scrotal sclerotherapy. Although performed technically accurate, antegrade sclerotherapy led to a haemorrhagic infarction of the testis by complete occlusion of venous drainage. The testis had to be removed. This complication has not been described yet and patients should be informed about this rare event.      

Endovascular electrosurgery of varicocele

A new method of treatment of varicocele is described consisting in the endovascular electrocoagulation of the internal testicular vein in order to interrupt reno-testicular reflux resulting from insufficiency of the internal testicular vein valves. The endovascular electrocoagulation of the internal testicular vein was fulfilled via either a retrograde or an antegrade access. The endovascular electrocoagulation of the internal testicular vein was made in 49 patients with a left-side varicocele. In 38 of them coagulation was performed via a retrograde access, in 11 patients an antegrade access was used. The method is less traumatic and possesses both a diagnostic and curative value.     

Late results following sclerotherapy of varicocele

Between May 1981 and December 1982 244 patients with varicocele were scheduled for percutaneous sclerotherapy which is performed as an out-patient procedure. In around 80% of the patients sclerotherapy was possible. Failures were due to anatomical and technical factors. Three months after treatment a persisting varicocele was observed in 3.3% as evidenced by control phlebography; 3.9% of our patients developed a painful induration of the plexus pampiniformis which necessitated a 3-day hospitalization. Six months after sclerotherapy spermiography was repeated and compared to the pretreatment results: in 50% of the patients the sperm density was significantly improved, however, sperm morphology and mobility remained virtually unchanged. The sclerotherapy of varicoceles can be recommended as an alternative procedure to surgery. The effect on sperm quality of both therapies is equal, but the sclerotherapy is performed as an outpatient procedure (sick-leave 2 days), is cheaper, better tolerated and has a lower rate of persisting varicoceles than surgical repair.     

Endoscopic Ureteroneocystostomy for complete Obstruction at the Ureterovesical Junction

Purpose

We evaluated the technical and long-term success of endoscopic ureteroneocystostomy in patients with complete obstruction of the distal ureter.

Materials and Methods

We treated 7 patients with complete obstruction at the ureterovesical junction via a combined antegrade and retrograde endoscopic approach (endoscopic ureteroneocystostomy). The etiology of obstruction included ureteroscopy for ureteral calculi in 3 patients and previous resection of bladder tumors or the prostate in 4. Six patients had proximal drainage with a percutaneous nephrostomy catheter at referral. An antegrade approach was used for localization, and a retrograde approach was used for direct visual ureteral meatotomy or ureterotomy with the endoscopic scissors or a cold-knife urethrotome.

Results

Continuity at the ureterovesical junction was restored in all 7 patients, and 6 are currently stricture-free with followup of 14 to 64 months. The sole failure in this series was due to recurrent invasive transitional cell carcinoma.

Conclusions

Endoscopic ureteroneocystostomy is a safe and effective treatment of complete obstruction of the ureterovesical junction.