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Semin intervent Radiol 2021; 38(02): 176-181
DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1727105
Review Article

Varicocele Embolization: Patient Selection: Preprocedure Workup, and Technical Considerations

Vibhor Wadhwa
1   Departments of Urology and Radiology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York City, New York
,
James A. Kashanian
1   Departments of Urology and Radiology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York City, New York
,
Marc Schiffman
1   Departments of Urology and Radiology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York City, New York
,
Timothy D. McClure
1   Departments of Urology and Radiology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York City, New York
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Abstract

Varicocele refers to an abnormally dilated and tortuous pampiniform venous plexus within the spermatic cord. The prevalence of varicocele is reported to be approximately 15% in the general male population. Its incidence increases with age and has a higher incidence in infertile men. Varicocele treatment (surgical or interventional) is considered one of the most common therapies of reversible infertility in men. Percutaneous embolization offers nonsurgical, minimally invasive option for the treatment of varicoceles, requiring only minimal sedation. In this article, the authors review the clinical and technical details of percutaneous varicocele embolization with a summary of currently available evidence.

Keywords

varicocele - embolization - infertility - interventional radiology


Publication History

Article published online:
03 June 2021

© 2021. Thieme. All rights reserved.

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