Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: Long-term follow-up of prostate volume reduction after sclerotherapy of the internal spermatic veins.

The purpose was to examine the results of bilateral percutaneous sclerotherapy of the internal spermatic veins on prostate volume and prostatic symptoms. We previously showed that destruction of one-way valves in the internal spermatic veins (varicocele) elevates hydrostatic pressure in the vertical testicular venous drainage system in the erect human. This diverts free testosterone (FT) flow at high concentrations directly from the testes into the prostate. High intraprostatic FT prolongs prostate cell life and increases cell proliferation rate-synergistic effects resulting in increased cell population (BPH). Treatment by interventional radiology (or microsurgery) techniques eliminates this diversion of FT flow to the prostate and reverses these pathologic processes. A total of 206 BPH patients with varicocele underwent bilateral sclerotherapy of the ISV. Of these, 81.5% exhibited significantly reduced prostate volume and improvement in prostatic symptoms (measured by IPSS scores) during follow-up period of 12 to over 24 months. 8% went on to require surgery despite mild post-treatment improvement (TURP). The use of prostate medications along with the treatment may have a combined positive effect. Very large prostate volume and large residual volume may limit degree of improvement. It is concluded that effective treatment of varicocele restores normal supply of testosterone to the prostate solely via its arterial supply, resulting in significant decrease of prostate volume and prostatic symptoms. The procedure is safe with only minor transient side effects.