Occlusion of varicoceles wih detachable balloons.
Fifty-two varicoceles in 50 outpatients were treated by occlusion of the internal spermatic vein (ISV) using detachable balloons 1-2 mm in diameter. The primary reason for treatment was pain in 7 patients and subfertility in 43. All achieved satisfactory occlusion, and only one recurrence was noted in 8 months of follow-up. Limited pre-occlusion venograms allowed precise balloon placement relative to collateral veins which could cause recurrence. This is a safe and effective nonsurgical method of obliterating varicoceles in outpatients.
D002404:Catheterization / Q000379:methods; D004621:Embolization, Therapeutic; D006801:Humans; D007248:Infertility, Male / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D008297:Male; D012008:Recurrence; D013737:Testis / Q000098:blood supply*; D014646:Varicocele / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy*; D014680:Veins