Transcatheter Foam Sclerotherapy of Symptomatic Female Varicocele with Sodium-Tetradecyl-Sulfate Foam

Journal Article · Tue Jul 15 04:00:00 EDT 2008 · Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiology

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1007/S00270-007-9264-6· OSTI ID:21450370

Gandini, Roberto; Chiocchi, Marcello; Konda, Daniel; Pampana, Enrico; Fabiano, Sebastiano; Simonetti, Giovanni ^[1]

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1. Nuclear Medicine and Radiation Therapy, University of Rome 'Tor Vergata', Department of Diagnostic and Molecular Imaging, Interventional Radiology (Italy)

To evaluate the efficacy of transcatheter foam sclerotherapy (TCFS) in pelvic varicocele using sodium-tetradecyl-sulfate foam (STSF), we conducted a retrospective study in 38 patients (mean age, 36.9 years; range, 22-44 years) with pelvic congestion syndrome (PCS) treated between January 2000 and June 2005 by TCFS. Pelvic pain was associated with dyspareunia in 23 (60.5%) patients, urinary urgency in 9 (23.7%) patients, and worsening of pain during menstruation and at the end of a day of work in 7 (18.4%) and 38 (100%) patients, respectively. Diagnosis was made by pelvic and transvaginal color Doppler ultrasound examination, demonstrating ovarian or pelvic varices with a diameter >5 mm presenting venous reflux. TCFS was performed in all patients, using 3% STSF. Follow-up was performed by physical examination, pelvic and transvaginal Doppler ultrasound examination and by a questionnaire-based assessment of pain at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after the procedure. Technical success was achieved in all patients (100%). In three patients a pelvic colic-like pain occurred immediately after sclerotic agent injection, disappearing spontaneously after a few minutes. No recurrent varicoceles were observed during a 12-month follow-up. A statistically significant improvement in each category of specific symptoms was observed at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after the procedure. We conclude that TCFS of female varicocele using a 3% STSF is safe and effective for the treatment of PCS. It is associated with a significant reduction of symptoms and can be regarded as a valid alternative to other endovascular and surgical techniques.

• OSTI ID: 21450370
• Journal Information: Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiology, Journal Name: Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiology Journal Issue: 4 Vol. 31; ISSN 0174-1551; ISSN CAIRDG
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

62 RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE
BLOOD VESSELS
BODY
CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM
COLLOIDS
DISPERSIONS
FEMALES
FOAMS
MEDICINE
ORGANS
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
SULFATES
SULFUR COMPOUNDS
THERAPY
VEINS