Long-term results after sclerotherapy of the spermatic vein in patients with varicocele.

Ninety-seven patients received transfemoral sclerotherapy of the spermatic vein for varicocele. After observation for 2 to 5 years, follow-up was available in 69 patients (71.2%), in 11 of whom the procedure failed (16.0%). Complications during angiography (N = 12, 12.4%) or sclerotherapy (N = 31, 32.0%) did not require hospital treatment. At least one parameter of the spermiogram was improved in 25 of 32 patients (78.1%). Forty-four of 69 patients (63.8%) treated because of a childless marriage, and whose wives were not known to be infertile, had a pregnancy rate of 47.7%. Thi method may be considered equal to surgical procedures in achieving venous occlusion; furthermore it is simple and can be used on an outpatient basis without anesthesia.