Modified antegrade scrotal sclerotherapy in adolescent patients with varicocele

Efficacy and safety of antegrade sclerotherapy for varicocele in pediatric patients: A systematic review

OBJECTIVES

Antegrade sclerotherapy (Tauber's) procedure has been extensively used for the minimally-invasive treatment of varicocele; however, the results in the pediatric population are less defined. This systematic review evaluates the efficacy and safety of antegrade sclerotherapy for varicocele in the pediatric population.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

The review was conducted following the PRISMA guidelines. Systematic research of available literature in English language from 1980 until May 2022 was conducted through EMBASE, MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, and NIH Registry of Clinical Trials. For each study, information was gathered regarding the study design, the inclusion/exclusion criteria, the indications for treatment, the success rate and the complications. When available, the details about sperm analysis were reported.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

The 10 studies were included in the final sample (564 patients). Median age of patients ranged 13.3-15.3 years. The indications for scleroembolization varied in the different studies, while most studies included patients with clinical G2-G3 varicocele and clinical symptoms or testicular asymmetry. The treatment was successful in 88%-98% of the patients, while the complication rate was <5%.

CONCLUSION

Tauber's sclerotherapy is a safe and effective treatment for varicocele also in the pediatric population. Further studies with standardized inclusion criteria are needed to provide higher level of evidence and compare the outcomes of antegrade sclerotherapy with the other available techniques.

Outcome following the surgical management of varicocele in children and adolescents: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

The ideal surgical approach for the management of varicocele in children and adolescents remains controversial. Several techniques are available including artery- or lymphatic-sparing with optical magnification (via open inguinal or sub-inguinal approach), laparoscopic, antegrade and retrograde embolization/sclerotherapy.

Objectives

We aimed to appraise the clinical outcomes of these techniques in children and adolescents.

Data Sources and Methods

A systematic review was conducted (1997-2023). Meta-analysis or proportional meta-analysis for non-comparative studies (Freeman-Tukey transformation) using the random effects model was conducted. Results are expressed as overall proportion % and 95% confidence interval (CI).

Results

We identified 1910 studies; 632 duplicates were removed, 1278 were screened, 203 were reviewed and 56 were included, with 12 reporting on 2 different techniques (total of 68 data sets). Optical magnification via inguinal approach (498 cases): recurrence 2.5% (0.6-5.6), hydrocele 1.6% (0.47-3.4), testicular atrophy 1% (0.3-2.0), complications 1.1% (0.2-2.6); optical magnification via sub-inguinal approach (592 cases): recurrence 2.1% (0.7-4.4), hydrocele 1.26% (0.5-2.3), testicular atrophy 0.5% (0.1-1.3), complications 4% (1.0-8.8). Laparoscopic with mass-ligation/division (1943 cases): recurrence 2.9% (1.5-4.6), hydrocele 11.4% (8.3-14.9); complications 1.5% (0.6-2.9); laparoscopic with lymphatic-sparing (974 cases): recurrence 2.4% (1.5-3.5), hydrocele 1.2% (0.45-3.36), complications 1.2% (0.05-3.9); laparoscopic with artery-sparing (228 cases): recurrence 6.6% (2.3-12.9), hydrocele 6.5% (2.6-12.0). Antegrade embolization/sclerotherapy (403 cases): recurrence 7.6% (5.2-10.4), hydrocele 0.8% (0.17-1.9), technical failure 0.6% (0.1-1.6), complications 4.0% (2.3-6.1); retrograde embolization/sclerotherapy (509 cases): recurrence 6.9% (4.6-9.5), hydrocele 0.8% (0.05-2.5), technical failure 10.2% (4.6-17.6), and complications 4.8% (1.0-11.2).

Conclusion

The recurrence rate varies between 2.1% and 7.6% and is higher with the embolization/sclerotherapy techniques. Post-operative hydrocele rate varies between 0.8% and 11.4% and is higher with the laparoscopic mass-ligation/division technique. Testicular atrophy has not been reported with the laparoscopic and embolization/sclerotherapy techniques. The retrograde embolization technique is associated with 10% technical failure (inability to complete the procedure). The laparoscopic lymphatic-sparing technique is characterized by the lowest recurrence rate, incidence of hydrocele and other complications, and no reports of testicular atrophy.

Varicoceles: Overview of Treatment from a Radiologic and Surgical Perspective

A testicular varicocele is the result of the expansion of the venous pampiniform plexus of the scrotum. Often painless, a significant number of patients experience orchialgia, swelling, testicular atrophy, and abnormalities in spermatic parameters. Treatment of symptomatic varicocele involves a radiologic or surgical intervention to obstruct the reflux of venous drainage. Testicular anatomy, diagnostic evaluation and imaging, options for surgical intervention, and a step-by-step description of retrograde embolization and antegrade scrotal sclerotherapy are discussed. Furthermore, included is an overview of postprocedural management and patient outcomes for radiological interventions, and the most up-to-date evidence on the efficacy of varicocele treatments as well as how they compare to each other.

Varicoceles in Men With Non-obstructive Azoospermia: The Dilemma to Operate or Not

The knowledge on male reproduction is constantly expanding, especially in treating infertility due to non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA). Varicocele is occasionally diagnosed in a subpopulation of males with NOA. Varicocele repair in NOA-men may contribute to the reappearance of spermatozoa in semen. However, spontaneous pregnancies are observed in only a small percentage of NOA-men post-varicocelectomy. Additionally, it has been reported that the repair of varicocele in NOA-men (before the performance of sperm retrieval techniques) may increase the testicular sperm recovery rate. In addition, it increases the pregnancy rate in intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) programs in NOA-men without spermatozoa in the semen post-varicocelectomy. In addition, to the improvement in Sertoli cellular secretory function, varicocelectomy may increase the secretory function of Leydig cells, which subsequently results in improved androgen production, raising the probability to negate the need for testosterone replacement therapy in cases of late-onset hypogonadism. On the other hand, the benefit of varicocelectomy in patients with NOA is still debatable. The current review study aims to provide a critical and extensive review of varicocele repair in males with NOA. This study additionally focuses on the impact of varicocele repair on sperm retrieval rates and its influence on the ICSI outcomes for those couples who remain negative for spermatozoa in their semen samples post-varicocelectomy.

Antegrade sclerotherapy in adolescent varicocele patients

INTRODUCTION

In the 1970s, Tauber described the antegrade sclerotherapy technique to treat varicoceles, and reported a 10% recurrence rate. The present study aimed to evaluate paediatric success rates and the effect of modifications to the surgical technique.

METHODS

A prospective study was performed of all adolescent patients undergoing antegrade sclerotherapy surgery. Each patient had an idiopathic varicocele with spontaneous venous reflux on Doppler examination, and underwent cannulation of a pampiniform plexus vein via a scrotal incision under general anaesthetic. Aethoxysklerol^® 3% (2 ml/kg) maximum 3 ml was injected into the pampiniform plexus vein under fluoroscopic monitoring. Success was assessed by clinical examination and Doppler ultrasound 3, 6 and 9 months after surgery. Data were presented as median (interquartile range). Patients were split into three groups: Group A - liquid sclerotherapy with Y connector; Group B - liquid sclerotherapy direct to cannula; and Group C - foam sclerotherapy direct to cannula. Fisher's exact test was used to compare the success rates in each group.

RESULTS

A total of 91 patients underwent antegrade sclerotherapy. The median age was 14.8 years (range 13.7-15.5). Eleven persistent varicoceles occurred and were diagnosed by Doppler ultrasound. The success rate of surgery was 58% in Group A, 90% in Group B and 96% in Group C. Success was significantly higher in Group B and Group C compared with Group A. No testicular atrophy occurred; two wound infections, two haematomas and one hydrocele were recorded (Table).

CONCLUSION

Introduction of antegrade sclerotherapy in the adolescent population resulted in a safe and cost-effective method for the management of adolescent varicocele. Several modifications to the technique have been introduced to achieve a high success rate (96%) with minimal complications.

Outcomes of Microscopic Subinguinal Varicocelectomy With and Without the Assistance of Doppler Ultrasound: A Randomized Clinical Trial

OBJECTIVE

To compare the surgical outcomes and complications between microscopic subinguinal varicocelectomy (MV) and intraoperative vascular Doppler ultrasound-assisted microscopic subinguinal varicocelectomy (IVDU-MV) for infertile patients with varicoceles.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

One hundred seventy-two infertile patients with varicoceles were randomly divided into IVDU-MV group (n = 85) and MV group (n = 87). We assessed patients' operative and postoperative parameters, semen parameters, and the pregnancy rate. The mean follow-up period was 21 months (range, 13-34 months).

RESULTS

The operative time was significantly shorter in the IVDU-MV group than MV group (41.9 ± 13.6 vs 52.7 ± 14.1 minutes, P <.05). The number of intraoperative arteries spared was significantly greater in the IVDU-MV group than the MV group (1.9 ± 0.8 vs 1.3 ± 0.7, P <.05). In addition, the average number of spermatic veins ligated was significantly greater in the IVDU-MV group (7.8 ± 2.1 vs 7.0 ± 1.9, P <.05). Lymphatic spared showed no significant difference (P >.05). The postoperative hospital stay showed no significant difference. Sperm concentration, sperm motility, and the percentage of grade a+b sperm were significantly increased in both groups at 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery (P <.05), and the sperm motility was higher in IVDU-MV than MV group (43.98 ± 7.64 vs 36.98 ± 5.10, P <.05) in 12 months after surgery. Sperm morphology was comparable between the 2 groups. The pregnancy rate showed no significant difference (36.8% of the MV vs 34.1% of the IVDU-MV, P >.05).

CONCLUSION

Our study demonstrated that both MV and IVDU-MV are effective methods for the improvement of semen parameters in infertile men with varicocele, with a natural conception rate of 35% over a mean follow-up of 21 months. Compared with MV, IVDU-MV is superior in shortening operative time, increasing the number of spermatic arteries spared, spermatic veins ligated, and sperm motility after surgery. IVDU should be routinely used as an effective tool to improve outcomes and safety of varicocelectomy.

Scrotal antegradesclerotherapy demonstrates anatomical variations on venous drainage in paediatric, adolescent and young adult varicoceles

AIM OF THE STUDY

Anatomical variations on venous drainage in varicoceles are under-reported. We report our experience in scrotal antegrade sclerotherapy (SAS) for adolescent varicoceles.

METHODS

Since 2011, 15 consecutive boys with left varicoceles were recruited. Under general anaesthesia, a 5-mm transverse incision was made at scrotal neck, testicular vein was cannulated at pampiniform plexus with venogram performed. Foam sclerosant by mixing sodium tetradecyl sulphate (STS), Lipiodol(®) and air was slowly injected under fluoroscopy. Postoperatively the patients were followed-up for varicocele grading, testicular size, and complications.

MAIN RESULTS

Median age at operation was 14 (10-19) years. 80 % had grade three varicoceles, 33.3 % had smaller left testis before operation. Intra-operative venogram showed three different anatomical variations. Group I: eleven patients (73.3 %) had single distinct internal spermatic vein; Group II: two patients demonstrated duplication of internal spermatic vein draining into left renal vein; Group III: two patients had pampiniform plexus draining to iliac and/or paraspinal veins. SAS was performed in Group I and II patients. Sclerosant volume injected ranged from 1.5 to 4.5 ml. In Group III patients, surgical ligation of testicular veins was performed rather than SAS to avoid uncontrolled systemic sclerosant spillage. Mean length of stay was 1.13 day. One patient with scrotal haematoma and one other with minor wound dehiscence were managed conservatively. Mean follow-up period was 10.9 (1-22) months. Thirteen patients (86.7 %) achieved varicocele grading ≤ 1. There was no postoperative testicular atrophy, hydrocele and epididymo-orchitis.

CONCLUSION

Scrotal antegrade sclerotherapy using STS foam is a safe and effective treatment for adolescent varicoceles. Anatomical variations on venous drainage in varicoceles are common.

Management options of varicoceles

Varicocele is one of the most common causes of male infertility. Treatment options for varicoceles includes open varicocelectomy performed at various anatomical levels. Laparoscopic varicocelectomy has been established to be a safe and effective treatment for varicoceles. Robotic surgery has been introduced recently as an alternative surgical option for varicocelectomy. Microsurgical varicocelectomy has gained increasing popularity among experts in male reproductive medicine as the treatment of choice for varicocele because of its superior surgical outcomes. There is a growing volume of literature in the recent years on minimal invasive varicocele treatment with percutaneous retrograde and anterograde venous embolization/sclerotherapy. In this review, we will discuss the advantages and limitations associated with each treatment modality for varicoceles. Employment of these advanced techniques of varicocelectomy can provide a safe and effective approach aiming to eliminate varicocele, preserve testicular function and, in a substantial number of men, increase semen quality and the likelihood of pregnancy.

Results and complications of adolescent varicocele repair with intraoperative sodium morrhuate sclerotherapy

PURPOSE

Adolescent varicocele has been shown to affect spermatogenesis and correlate with decreased ipsilateral testicular volume, prompting treatment in a select population. We report our experience with 3 varicocele ligation procedures in concordance with sclerotherapy in adolescent patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 120 males underwent varicocele surgery at our institutions during an 8-year period. Sodium morrhuate sclerotherapy was used in 91 patients and 73 adolescent males fulfilled the 6-month followup criteria. The 73 males who were 9 to 17 years old underwent a total of 75 (bilateral in 2) procedures for varicocele treatment. Of the patients 23 underwent subinguinal microscopic varicocelectomy (group 1), 9 underwent loupe assisted subinguinal varicocelectomy (group 2) and 41 underwent loupe assisted inguinal varicocelectomy (group 3). All patients received intraoperative sclerotherapy using sodium morrhuate injection. Outcome measures included recurrence, complications and catch-up growth at a minimum of 6 months of followup.

RESULTS

The varicocele recurrence rate was 2.7% in patients receiving combined surgical ligation and sclerotherapy ablation. Group 1 had 2 recurrent varicoceles and no hydrocele formation, group 2 had no varicocele recurrence and no hydrocele formation, and group 3 had no varicocele recurrence and 2 postoperative hydroceles. Catch-up growth in the ipsilateral testis was seen in 85% of patients. No atrophy or testicular loss was noted.

CONCLUSIONS

This preliminary experience with combined surgical ligation and sclerotherapy ablation in the adolescent population resulted in low varicocele recurrence with minimal morbidity. Outcomes of loupe assisted varicocelectomy appear to be improved compared to those in previous studies, alluding to an advantage in the addition of sclerotherapy.

Surgical outcomes after modified antegrade scrotal sclerotherapy: a prospective analysis of 700 consecutive patients with idiopathic varicocele

PURPOSE

We analyzed the surgical outcomes of antegrade scrotal sclerotherapy in a large, prospective, multisurgeon, consecutive series of patients treated for idiopathic varicocele.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We prospectively collected data on 697 consecutive patients undergoing antegrade scrotal sclerotherapy between 1997 and 2005. For every patient we evaluated age, side, clinical and Doppler ultrasound grade, and seminal impairment. Perioperative complications were evaluated 1 month after surgery. At 12 months after antegrade scrotal sclerotherapy all patients underwent Doppler ultrasound. In those with seminal impairment semen analysis was also performed. Failure was defined as at least Doppler grade 1 varicocele.

RESULTS

Median age of the 697 analyzed patients was 28 years. Mean surgical time was 15 minutes. All surgeries were performed using local anesthesia and no intraoperative complications were observed. All patients were discharged home within 4 hours. Postoperatively complications developed in 35 patients (5%) and failure occurred in 63 (9%). Persistent reflux was observed in 6.5% of adolescents, in 9.4% of adults and in 7.5% of patients with recurrent varicocele. Failure rates were similar for different grades and sides. The failure rate was significantly higher in patients treated by surgeons during the learning curve (p = 0.007). In the 414 patients with seminal impairment median sperm count and the median percent of progressive motility and normal forms significantly improved after surgery (p <0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Considering the low persistence and complication rates in all patient categories (adolescents, adults, first diagnosis, and bilateral and recurrent disease) antegrade scrotal sclerotherapy can be proposed as a safe and efficacious first choice treatment for varicocele. A specific learning curve is required to achieve the best outcome.

Laparoscopic surgery versus antegrade scrotal sclerotherapy: Retrospective comparison of two different approaches for varicocele treatment

OBJECTIVE

Both laparoscopic surgery and antegrade sclerotherapy are effective treatment options in the management of varicoceles. However, very limited data comparing these two approaches are available in the literature. We present our experience regarding outcome and complications with each treatment modality.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

During a 10-year period, 122 cases of laparoscopic varicocelectomy (LV) and 108 cases of antegrade sclerotherapy (AS) were performed in our institution. Diagnosis and postoperative results were established clinically and using Doppler ultrasonography. Data regarding failure rate, complications, operative time and length of hospital stay of each procedure were retrospectively evaluated.

RESULTS

Median follow-up was 59 months (5-130). Failure rates for LV and AS were 4.9% and 15.7%, respectively (p < 0.01). Complications occurred in 13.1% after LV, including 13 cases (10.7%) of hydrocele formation, and 4.6% after AS. Hydroceles following LV were significantly more frequent in patients with compared to patients without previous inguinal surgery (27.8% vs. 8.5%; p < 0.05). There was no significant difference between LV and AS regarding operative time (36 vs. 34 min, p > 0.05) and hospital stay (2.2 vs. 2.1 days, p > 0.5).

CONCLUSIONS

In our experience, LV was more effective than AS in correcting varicoceles. Complications other than hydroceles were higher after AS. The higher incidence of postoperative hydrocele formation following LV warrants strategies such as the lymphatic sparing approach, especially in patients with previous inguinal surgery.