Treatment of varicoceles in childhood and adolescence with Tauber's antegrade scrotal sclerotherapy.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate surgical complications and the outcome of grade II and III varicoceles treated with Tauber's antegrade scrotal sclerotherapy.

METHODS

A total of 21 patients with a median age of 13 (range, 10 to 21) years and left-sided grade II and III varicoceles were treated with Tauber's antegrade scrotal sclerotherapy and underwent follow-up over a median period of 23 months (range, 9 to 35).

RESULTS

One grade II varicocele persisted after antegrade sclerotherapy for 6 months. After a second sclerotherapy 6 months later, no further recurrence was detected. One patient with a grade II to III varicocele had a grade I varicocele recurrence 14 months after operation. Three patients showed a slight hydrocele postoperatively.

CONCLUSION

This limited series indicates that Tauber's antegrade scrotal sclerotherapy is a safe and effective treatment for grade II and III varicoceles in children and adolescents.