Open AccessContribution to the Pathophysiology and Treatment of Varicoceles
Author(s) -
Peter Vanlangenhove
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
journal of the belgian society of radiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.232
H-Index - 24
ISSN - 2514-8281
DOI - 10.5334/jbr-btr.1453
Subject(s) - medicine , varicocele , embolization , glue , radiology , surgery , infertility , pregnancy , genetics , biology , materials science , composite material
Anatomical differences between adults and adolescents and between left and right varicoceles were shown in this work. We designed a standardized and reproducible method for pressure measurement in the inguinal internal spermatic vein (ISV). We demonstrated that the mean absolute pressure in the ISV in the upright position is higher than the veno-capillary pressure in the testicle, and hence could impair spermatogenesis prompting the need for treatment in varicoceles. Histoacryl transparent and Glubran2, the current commercially available adhesives for the treatment of varicoceles, do not differ with regard to efficiency, safety and tolerance during and after embolization. Both adhesives cause a mild pain in 30% of the patients in the week after embolization. The radiation exposure is low during embolizations of varicoceles with highly viscous liquid products. Therefore, the endovascular treatment with glue is an efficient, safe and tolerable method of treatment for varicoceles when applicable.