Role of percutaneous transcatheter embolization of gonadal vein using n-butyl cyanoacrylate in treatment of varicocele

ABSTRACT

Background: Percutaneous embolization of the internal spermatic vein to treat varicoceles is a minimally invasive outpatient procedure that, when performed by experienced interventional radiologists, has high technical success rates, low recurrence rates, very low morbidity and minimal radiation. It has been demonstrated to be equal to surgical ligation in clinical results and as or more cost effective. Its minimally invasive nature allows it be well tolerated with shorter recovery times and less discomfort relative to surgery. When skilled and experienced vascular and interventional radiology services are available, embolization is an effective alternative to surgery and should be offered as such or as primary therapy for varicocele treatment