ORIGINAL ARTICLES   

Minerva Pediatrica 2015 June;67(3):227-9

Copyright © 2015 EDIZIONI MINERVA MEDICA

language: English

Treatment of varicocele with transfemoral retrograde sclero-embolization in pediatric patients under local anesthesia

Zampieri N. ¹, Chironi C. ², Sulpasso M. ² ✉

¹ Department of Surgical Sciences, Pediatric Surgical Unit, University of Verona, Policlinico G.B. Rossi, Verona, Italy; ² Casa di Cura Dott. Pederzoli, Peschiera del Garda, Verona, Italy

AIM: Varicocele treatment in pediatric age is still under discussion. The aim of this study was to present our experience with transfemoral retrograde sclero-embolization in pediatric patients and varicocele under local anesthesia
METHODS: Between December 2008 and December 2011, 184 patients aged between 10 to 14 years with left varicocele were treated. Study inclusion criteria were: grade II or III left varicocele; previous inguinal surgeries and contraindications to general anesthesia. Sclero-embolization included the following procedures: right femoral access under local sedation (carbocaine). Mean time of intervention, recurrence and persistence rates as well as early and late complications were also considered.
RESULTS: During the study period 184 cases were treated with the radiological technique, 172 of which proved to be successful. In 10 cases a continent valve was found and it was therefore impossible to use this technique (5.4%); two cases had rupture of the vein with consequent spillage of the contrast agent. Twelve cases (6.5%) showed recurrence after 3 months. No patient reported postoperative pain.
CONCLUSION: This technique proved to be efficient and reliable. It can be performed under local sedation and it involves fewer complications than traditional techniques. The use of such technique allows preservation of the spermatic artery and is free from complications like testicular atrophy and hydrocele.