[Varicocele in adolescents. Treatment by sclerotherapy and percutaneous embolization: reflections on the method. Apropos of 23 cases].

OBJECTIVE

The authors report their experience of the treatment of varicocele in adolescents. As a result of progress in interventional radiology and embolization techniques, they have used a technique combining sclerotherapy and percutaneous embolization since 1993.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Since 1993, twenty three adolescents between the ages of 11 and and 17 years (mean = 14.5 years) were treated percutaneously for grade II and II left varicocele. The operation was performed under local anaesthesia and/or neuroleptanalgesia. Phlebography by selective catheterization of the left spermatic vein was performed for anatomical assessment (ostial incontinence, collateral vessels). Embolization was then performed under fluoroscopic control by injection of a sclerosing liquid, sodium tetradecyl sulphate (Trombovar), and systematically completed by insertion of endovascular occlusive metal coils.

RESULTS

The follow-up ranged from 6 to 48 months (mean = 30 months). The follow-up clinical and ultrasound examination showed complete disappearance of the varicocele in 22 cases (95% of cases), with a persistent grade I asymptomatic left varicocele in 1 case. No complications were observed. The mean hospital stay was 48 hours.

CONCLUSION

This constitutes a rapid method, which is minimally traumatic for the adolescent. Its efficacy is comparable to that of classical surgical techniques with lasting results. Insertion of coils is the endovascular equivalent of surgical ligation of the pathological vein. The liquid embolus is particularly useful as it diffuses and scleroses collateral veins, responsible for recurrence. The advantage of this method resides in a better understanding of the reflux mechanisms, allowing the procedure to be adapted to the venous anatomy. This technique ensures treatment of complex varicoceles, such as postsurgical recurrences.