[Varicocele's radiological endovascular occlusion].

OBJECTIVES To report our experience on percutaneous treatment of male varicocele over the last 15 years. METHODS 690 patients with left varicocele underwent percutaneous occlusion of the spermatic vein. Embolization was undertaken using various types of materials; the most frequently used association was coils and sclerosing substances. Thorough clinical control was carried out, including ultrasound and spermiogram when indicated. RESULTS Initial success rate was 97.8% and complication rate was 6.2%. Varicocele persistence or relapse was found in 13.2% of the cases after embolization. In the group of patients with sperm tests on follow-up, sperm counts became normal in 46% of the patients, and "a + b" mobility in 35%. Post-treatment pregnancy rate was 20%. CONCLUSIONS Percutaneous occlusion of the spermatic vein is a very extensively developed technique. Its efficacy and nearly null rate of severe complications, associated with its good results, make it the technique of choice in the treatment of male varicocele.