Percutaneous sclerotherapy of testicular vein insufficiency in persistent and recurrent varicocele

Among 1217 retrograde phlebographies of left-sided idiopathic varicoceles 66 patients presented because of persistence or recurrence of varicocele, 34 of them after operation and 32 after sclerotherapy. After operation without success there was always - except for one case - a reflux passing the site of ligature. If persistence or recurrence of varicocele occurred after sclerotherapy, the testicular (internal spermatic) vein was most often found to be obliterated at the junction with the renal vein and the sonographically proven reflux went via collaterals or unidentified veins which prevented a repeat sclerotherapy. In 12 out of 32 patients after sclerotherapy a persistent main stem of the testicular vein allowed a second attempt of sclerotherapy. If sclerotherapy in patients after operation or previous sclerotherapy could be performed, it was an effective, low risk procedure on an outpatient basis just as in primary sclerotherapy of testicular vein insufficiency causing varicocele.     

Percutaneous treatment of varicocele. 13-year experience with the transbrachial approach

PURPOSE: To report our experience using the transbrachial approach, which is easily accepted by the patient, in the treatment of varicocele. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Between January 1986 and December 1998, 1490 patients with clinical or subclinical varicocele, but with seminal fluid alterations, underwent spermatic phlebography using the transbrachial approach. Since 1991 the procedure has also been adopted at the Unit of Pediatric Surgery of our hospital, which proposes it as a first choice treatment in adolescents with varicocele. The procedure consists in accessing the basilic vein at the elbow level percutaneously and using a hydrophile guidewire and multipurpose angiographic catheter to reach and catheterise the spermatic vein responsible for the varicocele. During the first years, we used sclerotherapy alone; subsequently, if the varicocele recurred or if the reflux was refractory to sclerotherapy or if the veins were large we adopted vein embolisation. Follow-up was one year and consisted of testicular ultrasound, Doppler flowmetry and/or color Doppler ultrasound at one, six and twelve months after the procedure. Patients were considered restored if they were free of symptoms, showed no venous reflux and/or had normal seminal fluid parameters and improved if they were free of symptoms but still presented venous reflux. Varicocele was considered persistent if the procedure failed to produce any beneficial effects, and recurrent if, although absent at the first follow up, it reappeared after the fifth month. RESULTS: We found 1296 (86.9%) cases of left varicocele, 25 of right varicocele and 169 (11.3%) of bilateral varicocele. In all cases, the symptoms disappeared after the percutaneous procedure. Duration of radioscopy was reduced to 3.5'; the procedure lasted 90' for the monolateral varicoceles and 120' for the bilateral forms. 313 diagnostic procedures were performed (20.7%). The procedure could not be completed in 104 patients (6.8%) due to basilic vein spasms, difficulties encountered in catheterizing the spermatic vein and, particularly in pediatric patients, anatomic variations. A total of 1195 (79.2%) procedures were completed: sclerotherapy alone in 642 patients and sclerotherapy followed by scleroembolisation in 527. Sclerotherapy alone was sufficient to restore 524 patients (86.6%), while 384 (78.5%) required scleroembolization. A small number of patients underwent scleroembolization alone, which brings the success rate for the two procedures to 82% and 84%, respectively. No serious side-effects were noted. DISCUSSION: The transbrachial approach in spermatic phlebography has proved to be a safe and effective technique for the treatment of both monolateral and bilateral varicocele. Furthermore, the procedure is well accepted by patients and can be performed in a day-care setting. In some cases, we only obtained partial results because of the large caliber of the spermatic vein; in other cases, we were unable to complete the procedure due to anatomic variations or to the spasm of the basilic vein. CONCLUSION: The safety and effectiveness of this procedure make it a valid alternative to traditional surgery, that should be considered as a possible first-choice treatment for varicocele in adolescents.     

导管引导下泡沫硬化剂疗法治疗精索静脉曲张

目的 探讨经皮导管引导下的泡沫硬化剂疗法治疗精索静脉曲张的临床效果.方法 选择2008年到2010年就诊于解放军总医院血管外科诊断为精索静脉曲张的患者共16例,经皮穿刺导管引导左侧精索静脉主干内注射1%聚桂醇泡沫硬化剂,观察静脉主干的闭合情况.结果 所有病例均在导管引导下成功注射硬化剂,平均应用泡沫硬化剂5.9 ml(...     

Solitary or predominantly right-sided varicocele: a possible sign of situs inversus

Among more than 850 patients undergoing outpatient sclerotherapy of the internal spermatic vein, only 1 unilateral and 1 predominantly right-sided varicocele were encountered. In both patients with this finding a total situs inversus was present, with inversion of normal anatomy, enlarged "right" internal spermatic vein draining into the renal vein, and the "left" internal spermatic vein entering the inferior vena cava directly. Total situs inversus should be considered whenever right-sided varicocele is solitary or predominant.     

The interventional therapy of varicoceles amongst children, adolescents and young men

The retrograde sclerotherapy of the internal spermatic vein is a simple and safe method for the treatment of a varicocele. Approximately 5500 patients had so far undergone the interventional therapy in our departments. The methods of retrograde sclerotherapy will be described and alternative methods of treatment will be given in detail. The minor trauma, the low gonad dose and fast implementation coupled with a high success rate show that this method is very safe and efficient. We have, therefore, chosen it as the primary therapy.     

Idiopathic varicoceles: feasibility of percutaneous sclerotherapy

Percutaneous retrograde venography was performed in 717 patients with a left-sided idiopathic varicocele. In 674 (94.0%), testicular (internal spermatic) vein insufficiency was proved by contrast medium reflux from the left renal vein into the testicular vein, down to the pampiniform plexus. The different venographic patterns of the testicular veins were classified into seven basic types. Five of these, comprising 624 patients, had incompetent or missing valves all along the trunk of the testicular vein. In 554 of the 624 (88.8%), sclerotherapy was performed, but such treatment was possible in only three of 50 patients with a competent orifice valve bypassed by an insufficient collateral (type IVb). In 43 of the 717 patients (6.0%), no insufficient vein could be found at all (type 0). The mean fluoroscopy time was 4.4 minutes. There were no serious complications associated with venography or sclerotherapy, and the initial recurrence rate was 9.8%. Percutaneous sclerotherapy is therefore a simple, safe, and effective treatment of testicular vein insufficiency and is suitable for almost 80% of patients with varicoceles.     

Long-term results after sclerotherapy of the spermatic vein in patients with varicocele

Ninety-seven patients received transfemoral sclerotherapy of the spermatic vein for varicocele. After observation for 2 to 5 years, follow-up was available in 69 patients (71.2%), in 11 of whom the procedure failed (16.0%). Complications during angiography (N=12, 12.4%) or sclerotherapy (N=31, 32.0%) did not require hospital treatment. At least one parameter of the spermiogram was improved in 25 of 32 patients (78.1%). Forty-four of 69 patients (63.8%) treated because of a childless marriage, and whose wives were not known to be intertile, had a pregnancy rate of 47.7%. Thi method may be considered equal to surgical procedures in achieving venous occlusion; furthermore it is simple and can be used on an outpatient basis without anesthesia.     

Varicoceles: combined sonography and thermography in diagnosis and posttherapeutic evaluation

One hundred eighteen patients with clinically suspected varicocele were examined with thermography and sonography before phlebography of the internal spermatic vein (ISV). The combination of sonography and thermography led to an exact differentiation among eight patients with normal findings (6.8%), 103 with left-sided varicoceles (87.3%), six with bilateral varicoceles (5.1%), and one with a right-sided varicocele (0.85%). The accuracy of thermography was 98.4% and of sonography, 92.7%. With sonography, venous dilatation was detected when the patients were upright and the Valsalva maneuver was being performed. Thermography was more sensitive than sonography in detecting persistent varicocele in 63 patients reexamined after sclerotherapy. Sclerotherapy within the inguinal segment of the ISV gave better results (82.9%) than that within the proximal segment (77.3%).     

Solitary or predominantly right-sided varicocele: A possible sign of situs inversus

Among more than 850 patients undergoing outpatient sclerotherapy of the internal spermatic vein, only 1 unilateral and 1 predominantly right sided varicocele were encountered. In both patients with this finding a total situs inversus was present, with inversion of normal anatomy, enlarged “right” internal spermatic vein draining into the renal vein, and the “left” internal spermatic vein entering the inferior vena cava directly. Total situs inversus should be considered whenever right-sided varicocele is solitary or predominant.     

The role of spermatic venography after surgical high ligation of the left spermatic veins: Diagnosis and percutaneous occlusion

Bilateral spermatic venography was performed in 40 patients who had previously undergone surgical high ligation of the left spermatic vein. Indications included recurrent or persistent varicocele or oligoteratospermia syndrome. Despite the prior surgery, 21 patients had venographic demonstration of a left-sided varicocele. Right-sided varicocele was demonstrated in 19 patients, 9 of whom also had left varicoceles. Only 9 patients did not have a varicocele demonstrated on either side. The various mechanisms of varicocele filling are discussed. Whenever a varicocele was demonstrated, immediate occlusion using steel coils was performed.     

Craniofacial cavernous venous malformations: percutaneous sclerotherapy with use of ethanolamine oleate

PURPOSE: To assess the efficacy of percutaneous sclerotherapy with use of ethanolamine oleate for craniofacial cavernous venous malformations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From 1991 to 2001, sclerotherapy (average of two procedures per patient) was performed in 29 patients (mean age, 22 y; 10 male) with craniofacial venous malformations. Direct puncture venography was performed with use of water-soluble contrast media to delineate the extent of the lesions. CO(2) gas was used as contrast medium in addition to water-soluble contrast media in five patients in whom lesions had large nondependent areas. Coil embolization with a transvenous approach was performed in two patients when the lesions had large draining veins. Then, a mixture of 5% ethanolamine oleate and iodized oil (ratio, 5:1-5:2) was injected manually into the lesions under fluoroscopic guidance to monitor the process. A total of 59 procedures were performed. Clinical follow-up was obtained in 25 of 29 patients. The duration of follow-up ranged from 10 days to 6 years (mean, 8.5 mo). The effectiveness of sclerotherapy was assessed on the basis of clinical, surgical, and radiologic findings. RESULTS: The procedures were effective in 14 of 16 patients who underwent sclerotherapy only. The procedures were beneficial for all nine patients who underwent sclerotherapy and surgery. There was no skin injury or nerve damage. The trismus that appeared in two patients with lesions in the masticator space was treated well by conservative therapy. CONCLUSION: Percutaneous sclerotherapy with use of ethanolamine oleate is a safe and effective treatment of craniofacial cavernous venous malformations. However, renal function was not specifically evaluated after treatment, and therefore occult renal dysfunction cannot be excluded.     

双侧精索静脉曲张行左侧精索静脉腹壁下静脉搭桥术的疗效观察

目的探索双侧精索静脉曲张仅行左侧精索静脉腹壁下静脉搭桥术的疗效。方法 45例双侧精索静脉曲张患者,在腰硬联合麻醉下行左侧精索静脉腹壁下静脉搭桥术,右侧不做治疗。结果 45例患者中右侧精索静脉曲张轻度33例,中度12例,术后3～12个月彩色多普勒超声复查,双侧精索静脉血流反流信号均消失,右侧精索静脉40例转为正常,5例转为轻度;左侧33例正常,12例转为轻度。结论双侧精索静脉曲张右侧不做治疗,行左侧精索静脉腹壁下静脉搭桥术是安全、有效的。     

Transcatheter Foam Sclerotherapy of Symptomatic Female Varicocele with Sodium-Tetradecyl-Sulfate Foam

To evaluate the efficacy of transcatheter foam sclerotherapy (TCFS) in pelvic varicocele using sodium-tetradecyl-sulfate foam (STSF), we conducted a retrospective study in 38 patients (mean age, 36.9 years; range, 22–44 years) with pelvic congestion syndrome (PCS) treated between January 2000 and June 2005 by TCFS. Pelvic pain was associated with dyspareunia in 23 (60.5%) patients, urinary urgency in 9 (23.7%) patients, and worsening of pain during menstruation and at the end of a day of work in 7 (18.4%) and 38 (100%) patients, respectively. Diagnosis was made by pelvic and transvaginal color Doppler ultrasound examination, demonstrating ovarian or pelvic varices with a diameter >5 mm presenting venous reflux. TCFS was performed in all patients, using 3% STSF. Follow-up was performed by physical examination, pelvic and transvaginal Doppler ultrasound examination and by a questionnaire-based assessment of pain at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after the procedure. Technical success was achieved in all patients (100%). In three patients a pelvic colic-like pain occurred immediately after sclerotic agent injection, disappearing spontaneously after a few minutes. 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. We conclude that TCFS of female varicocele using a 3% STSF is safe and effective for the treatment of PCS. It is associated with a significant reduction of symptoms and can be regarded as a valid alternative to other endovascular and surgical techniques.     

A transbranchial approach for the percutaneous therapy of pediatric varicocele

PURPOSE: Male varicocele affects children with the same incidence as it does adults. The association between asymptomatic idiopathic varicocele and male infertility and the poor recovery of testicular function after varicocele repair in adulthood have called for noninvasive clinical and instrumental diagnosis and increasingly early treatment. The department of Pediatric Surgery at our Hospital has screened schoolchildren for the early diagnosis and treatment of childhood varicocele. Our Vascular and Interventional Radiology department has proposed percutaneous treatment for varicocele correction. We report our 10-year experience with percutaneous sclerotherapy of pediatric varicocele with a retrograde transbranchial approach. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From a screening programme involving schools 467 boys were selected who were positive for idiopathic varicocele at clinical examination and at Doppler CW, at rest and during Valsalva manoeuvre. Patients with grade III, or symptomatic grade II varicocele, testicular hypotrophy, or with a dilation of the testicular veins greater than 2.2 mm at baseline were referred for percutaneous treatment. Percutaneous treatment was performed with a transbrachial approach in the basilic vein. After searching for incontinence of the internal right spermatic vein, left renal phlebography was performed in order to identify any incontinence of the left spermatic vein. This vein was then selectively catheterised to perform sclerosis. Tungsten coil embolisation was also performed over a number of years. Follow-up consisted of clinical examination, Doppler CW, Doppler US, or colour Doppler US performed at 3, 6, and 12 months. RESULTS: The radiological procedure was only diagnostic in 78 cases (16.7%). Basilic vein spasm and collaterally-supplied varicocele forced us to discontinue the procedure. The use of materials with smaller diameters and the professional development of the radiological team helped improve the catheterisation rate with time. Using the transbrachial approach alone a total of 287 left-sided, 15 right-sided and 52 bilateral varicoceles were treated. Whereas in two cases of bilateral varicocele a dissection at the origin of both spermatic veins prevented the use of sclerotherapy--though the patients were found to be cured at follow-up with Doppler US--on the left the procedures were continued with a transfemoral approach due to difficulties with the transbrachial catheterisation. As for the left-sided varicoceles, sclerosis were performed in 230 procedures, whereas sclerosis and embolisation on 87 patients. The success rate was 92% for sclerosis, and 86% for sclerosis and embolisation. No major complications were observed. DISCUSSION: Percutaneous treatment is a minimally invasive and relatively non-traumatic interventional radiology procedure, able to confirm the presence of varicocele, accurately map the venous system and allow selective therapy. Our experience with 467 patients over 10 years has allowed us to compare two therapeutic options: sclerosis and sclerosis combined with embolisation. CONCLUSIONS: Percutaneous treatment of varicocele with the transbrachial approach proved to be a safe, effective, inexpensive, and minimally invasive procedure. It can be suggested as the first therapeutic option for varicocele correction, especially for boys and for bilateral forms.     

Percutaneous sclerotherapy for venous malformation of the lips: a retrospective study of 23 patients

Labial venous malformations are relatively common. Depending on their size, they are responsible for functional and cosmetic handicap. When treatment is indicated, it will be based on percutaneous sclerotherapy, using Ethibloc or Aetoxysclerol, with surgery in some patients. Our purpose was to review 23 patients with soft-tissue venous malformations of the lips. Follow-up ranged from 6 months to 4 years. Sclerotherapy alone or with surgical resection achieved good results in 18 patients. In six patients mild improvement was obtained. No worsening of the initial clinical situation occurred, and no persistent complication was observed. We discuss the indications for treatment and the different types of sclerosing agent. Percutaneous sclerotherapy is safe and is effective for small and medium-size labial malformations. For larger lesions the treatment is more complex and combined long term sclerotherapy and surgery procedures may be required over several years.     

Ethanol injection for embolization of varicocele

Five patients were treated for varicocele by embolization with the use of ethanol, which has not been used before. The ethanol was injected into the spermatic vein involved in the varicocele by the technique of spermatic venography. Embolization was successful in all five patients. During the follow-up period, the varicocele became smaller or disappeared in four of the five patients. In one patient, catheterization was difficult, and the effect of ethanol was unsatisfactory because of the location of its release. The varicocele appeared again 13 months after embolization. Serious side effects were not found in all patients. Embolization therapy with ethanol is easily performed and is considered to be a safe and effective method.     

Radiological treatment of male varicocele: technical, clinical, seminal and dosimetric aspects

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to present our experience with percutaneous treatment of male varicocele considering technical, clinical, seminal and dosimetric aspects. MATERIALS AND METHODS: At baseline and at 6 months' follow-up, 290 male patients aged between 18 and 37 (average age 27.3 years) with left (266 cases) or bilateral (24 cases) varicocele underwent clinical assessment, Doppler ultrasonography (US), laboratory testing of free and total serum testosterone, leutenising hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) gonadotropins, inhibin B and spermiogram. In 223 cases, selective catheterisation of the spermatic vein was performed with a right transfemoral approach. Two hundred and six out of 223 underwent radiological treatment of varicocele; in 194, hydroxy-poliethoxydocanol (Aetoxysclerol) was used only whereas in 12 cases (5.8%), 5 ml of absolute alcohol and a Gianturco coil (0.038-in. Cook coil, 10 mmx50 mm) were also used. In 17/223 patients (7.6%), sclerotherapy was contraindicated or not technically feasible. Sixty-seven patients refused radiological treatment and were used as a control group. In 20 patients, the following parameters were measured: dose area product, entrance surface dose, effective dose and gonad dose. RESULTS: Technical success was achieved in 206/223 cases; two phlebographic examinations (immediately following administration of the sclerosing agent and after 15-20 min) showed prethrombotic endoluminal alterations of the internal spermatic vein. At 6 months' follow-up, 172/206 patients (83.49%) showed complete resolution of the varicocele whereas 34/206 (16.5%) had only partial disengorgement of the pampiniform plexus. In these 206 patients, the spermogram showed a significant increase in sperm concentration (52.1+/-4.1 vs. 44.2+/-3.6 million/ml, p=0.002) and motility (40.5+/-2.2 vs. 33.3+/-2.0%, p=0.0001), with negligible morphological changes. In the control group and in the other 17 untreated patients, no variations in seminal parameters were observed. The following minor procedural complications were recorded: two cases of acute abdominal pain, three of vagal crisis during administration of sclerosing agent that resolved spontaneously and two of spermatic cord inflammation that resolved within days after medical therapy. We recorded no statistically significant differences with regard to testicular volume or serum hormone levels between the treated and untreated groups. Maximum effective dose and maximum gonad dose equivalent were 6.9 mSv and 0.69 mSv, respectively. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: Percutaneous radiological treatment of varicocele is a minimally invasive technique, which is well tolerated by patients and able to significantly improve seminal parameters. The principal technical limitation to percutaneous treatment is related to difficult selective catheterisation of the spermatic vein due to anatomic alterations, spasms and intimal dissection of the vein. Moreover, when the cremasteric vein is incontinent, inguinal surgical ligation provides better results. In the majority of cases, administration of at least 3 ml sclerosing agent at 3% ensures occlusion of the gonadic vein above the abdominal collaterals, which are responsible for long-term recurrence if not treated. In the remaining cases, absolute alcohol and metallic coils can be used to complete the treatment. The positive results in seminal parameters do not, however, allow for reliable assessment of patients' fertility. Finally, we believe that radiological procedures are not indicated or justified when prolonged catheterisation with elevated gonadic irradiation is needed.     

Percutaneous sclerotherapy of lymphangiomas with acetic acid

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy of percutaneous image-guided sclerotherapy of lymphangiomas with use of acetic acid. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twelve patients with lymphangiomas were treated with acetic acid as the sclerosant. There were eight male patients and four female patients, ranging in age from 1 to 29 years (mean, 11 years). The lymphangiomas were located at the neck (n = 5), upper extremity (n = 3), axilla (n = 1), cervicomediastinum (n = 1), anterior chest wall (n = 1), and retroperitoneum (n = 1). Two patients had recurrent lymphangiomas after surgery and two patients had undergone failed sclerotherapy with another sclerosant. The acetic acid used as the sclerosant was 40%-50% in concentration, and the amounts used ranged from 2 mL to 70 mL (mean, 11.3 mL), which was equivalent to 4.6%-50% (mean, 30.6%) of the aspirated lymphatics. All procedures were performed under ultrasonographic and fluoroscopic guidance. The sclerosant was removed after sclerotherapy. All patients except one underwent one treatment session. RESULTS: Complete resolution of the lymphangioma was achieved in eight patients (66.7%), good resolution (>50% reduction) was achieved in three (25.0%), and poor resolution (<50% reduction) was seen in one (8.3%). Complications encountered included pneumonitis adjacent to the lymphangioma (n = 1), pain (n = 2), hematuria (n = 1), and tingling sensation in the forearm (n = 1). CONCLUSION: Percutaneous sclerotherapy of the lymphangiomas with use of acetic acid is an effective method without serious complications.     

Percutaneous treatment of varicocele

Percutaneous occlusion of the spermatic vein has been performed in 104 patients with varicocele in the last five years. We report our long-term results on the first 87 cases with a follow-up of at least six months. The occlusion of the gonadal vein is generally induced by selective transcatheter injection of sclerosing agent. Our patients are always evaluated before and after sclerotherapy by telethermography and/or doppler examination. Furthermore spermiogram is obtained before and six months after therapy. We registered only four recurrences with no major complications.     

Anastomosis between the left internal spermatic and splanchnic veins. Retrospective analysis of 305 patients

PURPOSE: To investigate the presence and the rate of anastomoses between the internal spermatic vein (ISP) and visceral veins in patients with idiopathic varicocele. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the venographic findings of 305 patients (age range 14-40 years; mean age 28 years) with a US diagnosis of varicocele who were submitted to sclerotherapy from 1991 to 1997. All the venographic examinations had been carried out with selective injection of the ISP for complete mapping of gonadal vessels. RESULTS: The most frequent venographic patterns (type I) was identified in 139/305 patients (45.5%), type III was found in 86/305 (28.2%), type V in 37/305 (12.1%). Type IVb was found in 32 cases (10.4%) and type IVa in 9 (2.9%). Type II was seen in 2/305 patients only (0.6%). Single or double anastomoses between the ISP and portal or systemic veins were found in 34 patients (11.1%); a single or double communication with the left colic vein was observed in 24 cases (7.8%) and a communication with the paravertebral venous system in 10 patients (3.2%). Other anastomoses with the inferior mesenteric veins and splenic veins were seen in 7 and 4 patients (2.2% and 1.3%, respectively). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: The presence of vascular variants and of communications of the ISP with the visceral veins needs accurate venographic studies preliminary to sclerotherapy and a skilled interventional radiologist in order to reduce the number of recurrences.