[Percutaneous treatment of primary varicocele].

Abstract

40 varicoceles were treated by occlusion of the internal spermatic vein using detachable balloons: the main indications were subfertility and abnormal spermatogenesis. The procedure was successful in 39 patients, with one complication; limited preocclusion 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.