Abstract | OBJECTIVE: To evaluate diagnostic and therapeutic efficacy of simultaneous ante/retrograde (A/R), trans-scrotal and trans-brachial approach in sclerotherapy of varicocele. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between June 2000 and June 2002, 99 patients with varicocele were submitted to simultaneous A/R sclerotherapy of internal spermatic venous plexus. All presented grade III left varicocele, 39 also had right varicocele. Recurrent left varicocele was present in 25 following surgical ligations, in 1 following retrograde sclerosis, in 3 following both surgical and sclerosing techniques. Simultaneous A/R approach was performed using transbrachial percutaneous access for retrograde catheterization which does not obstruct trans-scrotal surgical field. The procedure is performed without need for general anaesthesia. RESULTS:
Sclerotherapy of spermatic veins was always completed. At minimum 12 months follow-up (mean 18 months), only 1 failure was observed. CONCLUSION: Trans-scrotal access allowed to guide, by means of antegrade venography, retrograde selective cannulation of spermatic vein. A/R procedure allows a complete diagnostic evaluation of collateral circulation, with possibility to occlude all vessels draining varicocele. Results at long-term follow-up show very low incidence of recurrence.
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Authors | Sergio Minucci, Guglielmo Mazzoni, Annalisa Gallina, Vincenzo Gentile, Paolo Pavone |
Journal | Archivio italiano di urologia, andrologia : organo ufficiale [di] Societa italiana di ecografia urologica e nefrologica
(Arch Ital Urol Androl)
Vol. 76
Issue 1
Pg. 29-33
(Mar 2004)
ISSN: 1124-3562 [Print] Italy |
PMID | 15185819
(Publication Type: Journal Article)
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Topics |
- Adolescent
- Adult
- Child
- Humans
- Male
- Sclerotherapy
(methods)
- Varicocele
(therapy)
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