Occlusion of varicoceles with detachable balloons

Fifty-two varicoceles in 50 outpatients were treated by occlusion of the internal spermatic vein (ISV) using detachable balloons 1-2 mm in diameter. The primary reason for treatment was pain in 7 patients and subfertility in 43. All achieved satisfactory occlusion, and only one recurrence was noted in 8 months of follow-up. Limited pre-occlusion venograms allowed precise balloon placement relative to collateral veins which could cause recurrence. This is a safe and effective nonsurgical method of obliterating varicoceles in outpatients.