All included patients will undergo the following:
* History \& examination
* Semen analysis preintervention.
* Scrotal duplex scan of testicular vessels and testicular size .
Technique:
* All interventions will be performed in the endovascular OR with set on C-ARM.
* Patient's position and comfort are issues that are important initially.
STEPS FOR SPERMATIC VENOGRAPHY AND VARICOCELE EMBOLIZATION
Step 1: Vascular Access
Access can be achieved via the internal jugular or femo¬ral veins. Our preferred method is to puncture the right internal jugular vein under ultrasound guidance.
Step 2: Left Renal Vein Injection
During left renal vein injection, the origin of the left spermatic vein is noted .
Step 3: Left Spermatic Vein Catheterization
The catheter is manipulated into the left spermatic vein. A varicocele is present if the contrast refluxes into the pampiniform plexus. If the direction of flow is antegrade, this is considered to represent a negative spermatic venogram.
Step 4: Spermatic Vein Occlusion
If varicocele is confirmed, the spermatic vein is occluded, preferably immediately above the internal inguinal ring and along its full length to within 2 to 3 cm of its origin. The use of liquid embolics with or without metallic coils has become the most common method. Embolization with coils alone without liquid should be avoided, even for "straightforward" cases due to a high rate of recurrence. It is important to look for collaterals throughout the procedure, which may only become visible after distal occlusion . These collaterals are the usual cause of technical failure or recurrence and therefore must be occluded. Options for occlusion methods are described as follows.
Some practitioners place coils in the distal ISV before injecting glue. Coils in the proximal ISV are not necessary. Avoiding injection of glue into the scrotum is essential, either by previously placed distal coils or external compression. Overinjection of glue will result in extension into the renal vein or embolization into the pulmonary artery.
Step 5: Right Spermatic Venography
The same steps performed for the left spermatic vein are repeated for the right spermatic vein, except that the right spermatic vein usually arises directly from the infe¬rior vena cava. If reflux is demonstrated, embolization is performed in the same manner as on the left. The right spermatic vein arises from the inferior vena cava at an acute angle, which can make catheterization from the femoral route especially difficult.
POSTPROCEDURE CARE
The patient is kept in bed for 1 hour postprocedure. The patient is advised to take anti-inflammatory agents as needed and to avoid any activity involving the Valsalva maneuver, such as lifting, vigorous, or "hitting type" sports for 3 full days beginning the day after the proce¬dure. Most patients report a minor dull ache in the back or groin lasting \< 2 to 5 days. Fewer than 5% of patients will develop more severe pain lasting up to 14 days, requiring oral analgesics and anti-inflammatory agents and avoidance of vigorous exercise
