Percutaneous retrograde varicocele embolisation using tungsten embolisation coils: a five year audit.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the efficacy of percutaneous retrograde varicocele embolisation using Spirale tungsten coils over a period of five years.


METHODS
Fifty consecutive patients underwent local anaesthetic day case varicocele embolisation via a right femoral approach. Venous anatomy was identified and classified. Morbidity and recurrence were recorded at three month clinical follow up.


RESULTS
The procedurewas technically successful in 94% of the patients. The varicocele recurred in 16%, the majority of whom had complex venous anatomy. 8% of the patients complained of discomfort at follow up.


CONCLUSIONS
Although the coils used in this study have been withdrawn, a high technical success rate is described with failure being predominantly due to complex venous anatomy.
Keoghane
S R
SR
Department of Radiology, Bristol Royal Infirmary, UK.
Jones
L
L
Wright
M P
MP
Kabala
J
J
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D004621:Embolization, Therapeutic / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012008:Recurrence; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014414:Tungsten; D014646:Varicocele / Q000628:therapy*
D014414:Tungsten