Efficacy and safety of two different n-butyl-2-cyanoacrylates for the embolization of varicoceles: a prospective, randomized, blinded study

A review of the pathophysiology and evidence-based management of varicoceles and pelvic congestion syndrome

Pelvic congestion syndrome (PCS) in females and varicoceles in males may be regarded as closely related conditions since the main pathophysiological cause for both processes is pelvic venous insufficiency. Varicoceles are more prevalent amongst sub-fertile males, with an approximate incidence of 15% in the general male population. PCS is commonly diagnosed amongst premenopausal multiparous women, representing one of the leading causes of chronic pelvic pain. Both conditions appear to be predominantly left-sided and are associated with oxidative stress and pro-inflammatory cascades with subsequent effects on fertility. Clinical examination and pelvic ultrasonography play an essential role in the assessment of varicoceles, PCS and chronic pelvic pain. Venography is generally considered as a gold-standard procedure for both conditions. There is still much debate on how these conditions should be managed. This review article provides a comparative analysis of the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms of both PCS and varicoceles, their impact on fertility, as well as their clinical management.

Early results of cyanoacrylate adhesive ablation versus laser ablation for the treatment of great saphenous vein insufficiency in the Chinese mainland population

OBJECTIVE

In this study, we present our early outcomes of cyanoacrylate ablation (CA) versus endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) for the treatment of great saphenous vein (GSV) insufficiency in the Chinese mainland population.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed 108 patients (53 patients in the CA group and 55 patients in the EVLA group) with GSV insufficiency who were treated with CA and EVLA between May 2020 and May 2021. The Venous Clinical Severity Score and Aberdeen Varicose Vein Questionnaire were used to assess clinical symptoms and quality of life, respectively. Total closure rates and procedure-related adverse events were also recorded in both groups.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference between patients treated with CA or EVLA in terms of demographic and clinical characteristics. The average procedure time was 17 min in the CA group and 35 min in the EVLA group (p < 0.001). The CA group had lower pain scores during the procedure and 3 days afterward than the EVLA group (p < 0.001). At month 12, the CA group had a 90.4% closure rate, while the EVLA group had an 83.0% closure rate, with no significant difference between the two groups (p > 0.05). There was no significant difference in the Venous Clinical Severity Score or Aberdeen Varicose Vein Questionnaire score between the groups (p > 0.05). During follow-up, neither group experienced any significant adverse events, such as pulmonary embolism or deep venous thrombosis. The incidence of ecchymosis and paresthesia was significantly lower in the CA group than in the EVLA group (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Cyanoacrylate ablation has a high feasibility profile and is an effective approach to accomplish complete GSV target vein closure at early follow-up in the Chinese patients. Compared to EVLA, the improvement in quality-of-life outcomes is also sustained and similar, with less pain and fewer complications due to the absence of tumescence anesthesia and postprocedural compression stockings.

CIRSE Standards of Practice on Varicocele Embolisation

BACKGROUND

Percutaneous embolisation is an effective, minimally invasive means of treating a variety of benign and malignant lesions and has been successfully used to treat varicoceles since the late 1970s, with refined and expanded techniques and tools currently offering excellent outcomes for varicocele embolisation.

PURPOSE

This document will presume that the indication for treatment is clear and approved by the multidisciplinary team (MDT) and will define the standards required for the performance of each modality, as well as their advantages and limitations. CIRSE Standards of Practice documents are not intended to impose a standard of clinical patient care, but recommend a reasonable approach to, and best practices for, the performance of percutaneous varicocele embolisation.

METHODS

The writing group was established by the CIRSE Standards of Practice Committee and consisted of five clinicians with internationally recognised expertise in embolisation of male varicoceles. The writing group reviewed the existing literature on varicocele embolisation, performing a pragmatic evidence search using PubMed to search for publications in English and relating to human subjects published from 2006 to 2021. The final recommendations were formulated through consensus.

CONCLUSION

Embolisation has an established role in the successful management of male varicoceles. This Standards of Practice document provides up-to-date recommendations for the safe performance of varicocele embolisation.

Relevant Biological Effects of Varicocele Embolization with N-Butyl Cyanoacrylate Glue on Semen Parameters in Infertile Men

Surgical treatment or varicocele embolization (VE) with sclerosing or mechanical embolic agents have been shown to improve the semen parameters of infertile men. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of VE using N-butyl cyanoacrylate (NBCA) glue on semen parameters in infertile men. From January 2014 to June 2018, infertile adult patients with stage 3 varicocele and an initial semen analysis showing at least one abnormal semen parameter, and who were successfully embolized with NBCA Glubran^®2 glue, were retrospectively recruited. The availability of a second semen analysis after VE was mandatory for patient inclusion. The primary endpoint was the change in total sperm number (TSN) after VE. The other parameters of interest were progressive and total sperm motilities (Smot) at 1 h (H1), sperm vitality (SV) and morphology (SMor). One hundred and two patients were included. Eight patients presented null TSN before and after VE. Among the remaining 94 patients, a significant improvement in the median TSN after VE was shown (31.79 × 10⁶/ejaculate [IQR: 11.10-127.40 × 10⁶/ejaculate] versus 62.24 × 10⁶/ejaculate [IQR: 17.90-201.60 × 10⁶/ejaculate], p = 0.0295). Significant improvement in TSN was found for the 60 oligo- or azoospermic patients (p = 0.0007), whereas no significant change was found for the 42 patients with normal initial TSN (p = 0.49). Other parameters, such as progressive and total SMot, SV and SMor, also significantly improved after VE (p = 0.0003, 0.0013, 0.0356 and 0.007, respectively). The use of NBCA glue as an embolic agent for VE in infertile men with stage 3 varicocele significantly improves the semen parameters.

Early period results of radiofrequency ablation and cyanoacrylate embolization for great saphenous vein insufficiency

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the 6 months efficacy and safety of cyanoacrylate closure for the treatment of incompetent great saphenous veins (GSVs) in comparison with radiofrequency ablation (RFA).

METHODS

In this multicenter, retrospective, clinical trial, 398 symptomatic subjects with incompetent GSVs were assigned to either cyanoacrylate closure or RFA. The primary endpoint, complete closure of the target GSV, was determined using duplex ultrasound examination starting from one-, three-, and six-month visits.

RESULTS

All patients were followed for 6 months and there was no difference between the groups in terms of mean follow-up time. Hospital stay and return to work/activity were shorter in the cyanoacrylate ablation (CAA) group, and these differences between the groups were statistically significant. Ecchymosis was observed higher in the RFA group and was statistically significant.

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, in which we examined the CAA and RFA methods, we found that both methods were effective and reliable; however, we found that patients in the CAA group had a more comfortable postoperative period and returned to work earlier.

Surgical or radiological treatment for varicoceles in subfertile men

BACKGROUND

Varicoceles are associated with male subfertility; however, the mechanisms by which varicoceles affect fertility have yet to be satisfactorily explained. Several treatment options exist, including surgical or radiological treatment, however the safest and most efficient treatment remains unclear.  OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of surgical and radiological treatment of varicoceles on live birth rate, adverse events, pregnancy rate, varicocele recurrence, and quality of life amongst couples where the adult male has a varicocele, and the female partner of childbearing age has no fertility problems.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the following databases on 4 April 2020: the Cochrane Gynaecology and Fertility Group Specialised Register, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, and CINAHL. We also searched the trial registries and reference lists of articles.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) if they were relevant to the clinical question posed and compared different forms of surgical ligation, different forms of radiological treatments, surgical treatment compared to radiological treatment, or one of these aforementioned treatment forms compared to non-surgical methods, delayed treatment, or no treatment. We extracted data if the studies reported on live birth, adverse events, pregnancy, varicocele recurrence, and quality of life.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Screening of abstracts and full-text publications, alongside data extraction and 'Risk of bias' assessment, were done dually using the Covidence software. When we had sufficient data, we calculated random-effects (Mantel-Haenszel) meta-analyses; otherwise, we reported results narratively. We used the I² statistic to analyse statistical heterogeneity. We planned to use funnel plots to assess publication bias in meta-analyses with at least 10 included studies. We dually rated the risk of bias of studies using the Cochrane 'Risk of bias' tool, and the certainty of evidence for each outcome using the GRADE approach.

MAIN RESULTS

We identified 1897 citations after de-duplicating the search results. We excluded 1773 during title and abstract screening. From the 113 new full texts assessed in addition to the 10 studies (11 references) included in the previous version of this review, we included 38 new studies, resulting in a total of 48 studies (59 references) in the review providing data for 5384 participants. Two studies (three references) are ongoing studies and two studies are awaiting classification. Treatment versus non-surgical, non-radiological, delayed, or no treatment Two studies comparing surgical or radiological treatment versus no treatment reported on live birth with differing directions of effect. As a result, we are uncertain whether surgical or radiological treatment improves live birth rates when compared to no treatment (risk ratio (RR) 2.27, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.19 to 26.93; 2 RCTs, N = 204; I² = 74%, very low-certainty evidence). Treatment may improve pregnancy rates compared to delayed or no treatment (RR 1.55, 95% CI 1.06 to 2.26; 13 RCTs, N = 1193; I² = 65%, low-certainty evidence). This suggests that couples with no or delayed treatment have a 21% chance of pregnancy, whilst the pregnancy rate after surgical or radiological treatment is between 22% and 48%. We identified no evidence on adverse events, varicocele recurrence, or quality of life for this comparison. Surgical versus radiological treatment We are uncertain about the effect of surgical versus radiological treatment on live birth and on the following adverse events: hydrocele formation, pain, epididymitis, haematoma, and suture granuloma. We are uncertain about the effect of surgical versus radiological treatment on pregnancy rate (RR 1.13, 95% CI 0.75 to 1.70; 5 RCTs, N = 456, low-certainty evidence) and varicocele recurrence (RR 1.31, 95% CI 0.82 to 2.08; 3 RCTs, N = 380, low-certainty evidence). We identified no evidence on quality of life for this comparison. Surgery versus other surgical treatment We identified 19 studies comparing microscopic subinguinal surgical treatment to any other surgical treatment. Microscopic subinguinal surgical treatment probably improves pregnancy rates slightly compared to other surgical treatments (RR 1.18, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.36; 12 RCTs, N = 1473, moderate-certainty evidence). This suggests that couples with microscopic subinguinal surgical treatment have a 10% to 14% chance of pregnancy after treatment, whilst the pregnancy rate in couples after other surgical treatments is 10%. This procedure also probably reduces the risk of varicocele recurrence (RR 0.48, 95% CI 0.29, 0.79; 14 RCTs, N = 1565, moderate-certainty evidence). This suggests that 0.4% to 1.1% of men undergoing microscopic subinguinal surgical treatment experience recurrent varicocele, whilst 1.4% of men undergoing other surgical treatments do. Results for the following adverse events were inconclusive: hydrocele formation, haematoma, abdominal distension, testicular atrophy, wound infection, scrotal pain, and oedema. We identified no evidence on live birth or quality of life for this comparison. Nine studies compared open inguinal surgical treatment to retroperitoneal surgical treatment. Due to small sample sizes and methodological limitations, we identified neither treatment type as superior or inferior to the other regarding adverse events, pregnancy rates, or varicocele recurrence. We identified no evidence on live birth or quality of life for this comparison. Radiological versus other radiological treatment One study compared two types of radiological treatment (sclerotherapy versus embolisation) and reported 13% varicocele recurrence in both groups. Due to the broad confidence interval, no valid conclusion could be drawn (RR 1.00, 95% CI 0.16 to 6.20; 1 RCT, N = 30, very low-certainty evidence). We identified no evidence on live birth, adverse events, pregnancy, or quality of life for this comparison.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Based on the limited evidence, it remains uncertain whether any treatment (surgical or radiological) compared to no treatment in subfertile men may be of benefit on live birth rates; however, treatment may improve the chances for pregnancy. The evidence was also insufficient to determine whether surgical treatment was superior to radiological treatment. However, microscopic subinguinal surgical treatment probably improves pregnancy rates and reduces the risk of varicocele recurrence compared to other surgical treatments. High-quality, head-to-head comparative RCTs focusing on live birth rate and also assessing adverse events and quality of life are warranted.

Liquid and Solid Embolic Agents in Gonadal Veins

Male varicocele and pelvic congestion syndrome (PCS) are common pathologies with high predominance in young patients, having a high impact on the quality of life and infertility. Lately, the use of different endovascular embolization techniques, with various embolizing agents, shows good technical results and clinical outcomes. With the aim of presenting the “state of the art” of endovascular techniques for the treatment of male varicocele and PCS, and to discuss the performance of the different embolic agents proposed, we conducted an extensive analysis of the relevant literature and we reported and discussed the results of original studies and previous meta-analyses, providing an updated guide on this topic to clinicians and interventional radiologists. We have also underlined the technical aspects for the benefit of those who approach this type of interventional treatment. Our review suggests promising results in both the endovascular embolic treatment of male varicocele and PCS; for varicocele, a success rate of between 70% and 100% and a recurrence rate of up to 16% is reported, while for PCS it has been found that technical success is achieved in almost all cases of endovascular treatment, with a highly variable recurrence rate based on reports. Complications are overall rather rare and are represented by periprocedural pain, migration of embolic media and vascular perforations: severe adverse events have been reported very rarely.

Endo-bronchial application of glue in the management of hemoptysis

BACKGROUND

Hemoptysis from varied etiologies, often fails to respond to conservative therapy. The conventional managements of such a situation are Bronchial Artery Embolization (BAE) or thoracic surgery which is often not possible. Endoscopic application of glue may stand as a method of therapy in these circumstances.

METHODS

202 patients of hemoptysis were treated by video-bronchoscopy assisted endobronchial application of glue (n-butyl cyanoacrylate) with the help of polyethylene catheter being placed through the working channel. The details of the procedure and their 6 month follow up are presented.

RESULTS

Immediate control of hemoptysis was achieved in 183 i.e. 90.59% of patients. 19 patients had a partial response, i.e., hemoptysis stopped and then recurred, endobronchial application of glue was repeated in them out of which 14 (6.9%) responded to the second procedure whereas 5 (2.47%) failed to show any response in spite of the repeated procedure. The complication rate was 0.49% in the form of glue migrating into the trachea. There was no mortality.

CONCLUSION

Endobronchial application of glue for hemoptysis can be an effective, economic and alternative therapy for mild to moderate hemoptysis.

Comparison of cyanoacrylate embolization and radiofrequency ablation for the treatment of varicose veins

OBJECTIVE

To review clinical outcomes of varicose vein patients treated with cyanoacrylate embolization and radiofrequency ablation at our institution.

METHODS

A retrospective review of patients who underwent cyanoacrylate embolization and radiofrequency ablation during a three-year period. Patient records were reviewed to assess demographics, location and severity of disease, treatment details and outcome at short- and mid-term follow-ups. Outcome parameters included treatment success and complications.

RESULTS

Between January 2014 and December 2016, 335 patients with 476 veins were treated with either cyanoacrylate embolization (n = 148) or radiofrequency ablation (n = 328) at the Vancouver General Hospital Vascular Surgery Vein Clinic. The average age of patients were 57 ± 1 years with the majority being female (78%) and an average BMI of 24.8 ± 0.5. CEAP classes were 2 (49%), 3 (26%), 4a (22%) and >4b (3%). Of the veins treated with cyanoacrylate embolization, the vein types were as follows: 76% were great saphenous vein, 16% were small saphenous vein, 5% were anterior accessory great saphenous vein and 1.4% were perforator veins. The vein types for radiofrequency ablation were 88%, 9%, 3% and 0%, respectively. The average amount of cyanoacrylate embolization delivered for great saphenous vein treatment was 1.8 ± 0.1 ml with a treatment length of 43 ± 1 cm. Subgroup comparison was done for great saphenous vein segments. Treatment success was 100% in cyanoacrylate embolization and 99% in radiofrequency ablation. Superficial phlebitis was the most common complication noted at mid-term follow-up in 5% of cyanoacrylate embolization and 16% of radiofrequency ablation treatments (P < 0.05). One patient in each group had asymptomatic proximal thrombus extension treated with anticoagulation for 2-3 weeks. Three superficial infections from glue clumps were noted in the cyanoacrylate embolization group requiring excision and drainage. Five patients in the radiofrequency ablation group had persistent numbness and one wound complications at the access site.

CONCLUSION

Cyanoacrylate embolization offers equivalent success rates with lower mid-term complication rates as radiofrequency ablation.

Varicocele embolization: Anatomical variations of the left internal spermatic vein and endovascular treatment with different types of coils

PURPOSE

To present anatomical variations of left internal spermatic vein and a comparison between treatments with hydrogel-coated and non-coated platinum coils in patients with varicocele.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 153 men (mean age, 27.5±6.7 [SD] years; range: 18-45 years) with left sided varicocele underwent coil embolization. Anatomic variants of gonadal vein were categorized into five subtypes (I-V). Additional venous collaterals were also recorded. Three types of coils were used (hydrogel coated platinum coils, fibered coils and non-coated platinum coils). Technical success, tolerance, efficacy and safety of hydrogel coated platinum coils were recorded. Comparison between different types of coils used was made. Fisher's exact test was used for statistical analysis.

RESULTS

Varicoceles were classified as type I (26.1%), type II (13.7%), type III (32.1%), type IV (18.3%) and type V (9.8%). The internal spermatic vein - renal vein angle ranged from 32°-128° (mean angle, 93.5°). Technical success was achieved in 145 patients (94.8%) without complications. The mean number of coils used was 3 (range: 1-6 coils). A total of 260 hydrogel coated platinum coils in 95 patients and 135 non-coated coils in 50 patients were deployed with no complications. No differences were noted between the different types of coils used regarding embolic efficacy and safety. A 6.2% (9/145) recurrence rate and a 33.3% (14/42) fertility rate were observed. Clinical success regarding symptom relief after painful varicocele embolization was 100% (36/36) for technically successful cases.

CONCLUSION

Varicocele embolization with the use of hydrogel coated or non-coated platinum coils is technically feasible and safe without complications. No superiority of one type of coil over the other was found.

Characteristics and Endovascular Management of the Posterior Cerebral Artery Anterior Temporal Branch Aneurysms

PURPOSE

To investigate characteristics of the posterior cerebral artery anterior temporal branch aneurysm and the safety and efficacy of endovascular management.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 6 patients with anterior temporal branch aneurysms were enrolled. All 6 patients had concurrent occlusion of the ipsilateral anterior circulating arteries. The aneurysms ranged from 2.5 to 5.0 mm. All patients were treated and followed up.

RESULTS

Four unruptured aneurysms were treated with coil embolization of the aneurysm sac only, with the parent artery maintained in 2 patients, slow flow in the parent artery in one and thrombosis at the aneurysm neck leading to parent artery occlusion in the last one. One patient with subarachnoid hemorrhage was treated with coil embolization of both the aneurysm and the parent artery, and the last patient with subarachnoid hemorrhage was treated with the Glubran 2 glue to embolize both the aneurysm and the parent artery. One patient with subarachnoid hemorrhage died of lung complication after embolization. Followed up for 3 months to 1 year, the 4 patients with unruptured aneurysms had no symptoms, including 1 patient with slow flow in the anterior temporal artery and 1 patient with thrombosis and parent artery occlusion. The remaining patient with parent artery occlusion had a good recovery.

CONCLUSIONS

The anterior temporal artery aneurysm is a special subtype of aneurysm and can be readily misdiagnosed as on the posterior cerebral artery trunk or the superior cerebellar artery. Endovascular management has a greater success rate, good effect, and fewer complications but with greater difficulties.

Contribution to the Pathophysiology and Treatment of Varicoceles

Anatomical differences between adults and adolescents and between left and right varicoceles were shown in this work. We designed a standardized and reproducible method for pressure measurement in the inguinal internal spermatic vein (ISV). We demonstrated that the mean absolute pressure in the ISV in the upright position is higher than the veno-capillary pressure in the testicle, and hence could impair spermatogenesis prompting the need for treatment in varicoceles.

Histoacryl transparent and Glubran2, the current commercially available adhesives for the treatment of varicoceles, do not differ with regard to efficiency, safety and tolerance during and after embolization. Both adhesives cause a mild pain in 30% of the patients in the week after embolization. The radiation exposure is low during embolizations of varicoceles with highly viscous liquid products. Therefore, the endovascular treatment with glue is an efficient, safe and tolerable method of treatment for varicoceles when applicable.

Expert review on the VenaSeal® system for endovenous cyano-acrylate adhesive ablation of incompetent saphenous trunks in patients with varicose veins

INTRODUCTION

The treatment of incompetent truncal veins has been innovated by the introduction of minimally invasive non-thermal non-tumescent (NTNT) techniques. One of these consists of the use of cyanoacrylate glue to occlude the vein lumen by means of the VenaSeal device. Areas covered: This expert-review aims to evaluate NTNT ablation of incompetent saphenous trunks using the VenaSeal device. Expert commentary: Cyanoacrylate adhesive embolization of incompetent truncal veins using the VenaSeal device is a safe and efficacious innovative technique. Further studies are needed to evaluate anatomical and clinical outcomes at long term.

Urticarial reaction following endovascular embolization of an orbital arteriovenous malformation (AVM) with n-butyl cyanoacrylate (nBCA) glue

Orbital arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are rare vascular lesions that may be managed with endovascular embolization followed by surgical resection. Embolization is often accomplished with n-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate (nBCA), which is considered to be a safe and effective liquid occlusive agent. Localized vascular inflammation has been associated with endovascular nBCA use in histopathologic studies, but reports of systemic hypersensitivity reactions following endovascular embolization with nBCA are rare. We present a case of a 26-year-old male who developed an intermittent systemic urticarial reaction without cardiopulmonary compromise beginning four weeks after nBCA embolization of an orbital AVM. Subsequent skin allergy testing performed by an allergist confirmed hypersensitivity to nBCA glue and the patient has since been successfully managed with daily oral antihistamines. Awareness of this rare potential complication of endovascular embolization with nBCA will aid in the counseling and management of patients with AVMs.

Comparison of three different embolic materials for varicocele embolization: retrospective study of tolerance, radiation and recurrence rate

BACKGROUND

To evaluate pain, radiation and recurrence rates in patients undergoing varicocele embolization with three different embolic materials.

METHODS

Retrospective study of 182 consecutive patients who underwent transcatheter retrograde varicocele embolization from July 2011 to May 2015 with glue (Glubran(®)2) (group 1, n=63), mechanical agents (coils and/or plugs) (group 2, n=53) or a sclerosing agent (polidocanol) (group 3, n=66). Patients were asked by telephone interview to evaluate pain during embolization and at 1, 7 and 30 days using a quantitative pain scale ranging from 0 to 10. Duration of scopy, kinetic energy released per unit mass (kerma) and dose area product (DAP) were assessed as radiation parameters during embolization procedures. Recurrence rates after treatment were also evaluated. Statistical analyses were performed using parametric and non-parametric tests.

RESULTS

Patients in the three study groups were comparable for age, clinical indication and embolization side. No difference was noted for significant pain (pain score ≥3) during embolization and at 1, 7 and 30 days after treatment. Discomfort (pain score <3) was more frequent in group 1 than in groups 2 and 3 at 7 days after the procedure (P=0.049). No difference in discomfort was noted during embolization or at 1 and 30 days. Duration of scopy was shorter (P<0.0001) and kerma was lower (P=0.0087) in group 1 than in groups 2 and 3. DAP was lower in group 1 than in group 2 (P=0.04) but no difference was noted between groups 1 and 3, and groups 2 and 3. The recurrence rate at a mean follow-up of 24.4 months (range, 2-53 months) was significantly lower in group 1 than in the two other groups (P=0.032).

CONCLUSIONS

The use of Glubran(®)2 acrylic glue for varicocele embolization is safe and leads to less radiation and lower recurrence rates than is the case for other embolic materials without any more significant pain.

Sclerosis and varicocele embolization with N-butyl cyanoacrylate: experience in 41 patients

BACKGROUND

Embolization is an established treatment for varicocele. Coils are most frequently used in the procedure. Liquid embolic and sclerosing agents seem to have a number of advantages over coils.

PURPOSE

To report our experience and explain the technique of using N-2-butyl-cyanoacrylate (N2BCA) in varicocele treatment.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

From January 2010 to July 2011, 42 gonadal veins in 41 consecutive patients (age range, 11-41 years; mean, 18 years) with a diagnosis of varicocele were treated with N2BCA as an embolic agent. The clinical diagnosis was confirmed by Doppler ultrasound in all patients. Institutional review board approval was obtained, and all the patients signed informed consent for this retrospective review. In all cases, a 4-F hydrophilic catheter was used to catheterize the distal portion of the gonadal vein through which N2BCA, emulsified with lipiodol, was injected.

RESULTS

The technical success was 100%. No complications or non-targeted embolizations were reported. Seven patients reported moderate post-embolization pain that required oral analgesic treatment for 7-10 days. After 12-month follow-up, all patients exhibited varicocele resolution in the Doppler ultrasound examination as well as relief of all previous symptoms. We have no fertility-related data for patients treated for this condition.

CONCLUSION

N2BCA as an embolic agent is a therapeutic alternative for the endovascular treatment of varicocele. This technique is uncomplicated, inexpensive, efficient, and safe.

Tolerance of glue embolization under local anesthesia in varicoceles: a comparative study of two different cyanoacrylates

PURPOSE

To find out whether in varicocele embolization the copolymer cyanoacrylate glue (NBCA-MS) has a better patient tolerance compared to the monomer n-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate (NBCA).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

N=112 insufficient spermatic veins (left sided N=84, right sided N=28) diagnosed in N=83 adult males were prospectively randomized for blinded embolization with either NBCA N=54 (Histoacryl) or with NBCA-MS N=58 (Glubran2). Before, during and up to one week after embolization, patient discomfort was assessed by a standardized pain scale. Type, location and side of discomfort were noted. Statistical analysis was performed with the Mann-Whitney U-test, the McNemar test and the Fisher's exact test.

RESULTS

Embolization caused discomfort in N=48/112 (43%) spermatic veins, comprising N=26/54 (48%) in the NBCA group and N=22/58 (38%) in the NBCA-MS group. During the week after embolization, the overall number of discomfort reports rose to N=62/106 (59%), with an increase to N=30/53 (57%) in the NBCA group and to N=32/53 (60%) in the NBCA-MS group. The number of immediate grade 2 to 4 pain reactions was N=22/112 (20%), and rose to N=37/106 (35%) after one week. No difference in discomfort during embolization and at 1 week after treatment was noted. Characteristics, severity grading, and location of discomfort were similar in both NBCA groups, regardless the time point of observation.

CONCLUSION

Discomfort after glue embolization of varicocele is a common side effect, which might evolve to pain. The assumed lower inflammatory reaction on NBCA-MS was not translated in an improved tolerance.

Endovascular embolization of varicoceles using n-butyl cyanoacrylate (NBCA) glue

Background:

Varicoceles are abnormally dilated veins within the pampiniform plexus. They are caused by reflux of blood in the internal spermatic vein. The incidence of varicoceles is approximately 10–15% of the adolescent male population. The etiology of varicoceles is probably multifactorial. The diagnosis is based on Doppler US. Treatment could be endovascular or surgical.

The aim of the study was to describe and evaluate a novel method of endovascular embolization of varicoceles using n-butyl cyanoacrylate (NBCA) glue.

Material/Methods:

17 patients were subjected to endovascular treatment of varicoceles using NBCA. A 2.8 Fr microcatheter and a 1:1 mixture of NBCA and lipiodol were used for embolization of the spermatic vein.

Results:

All 17 procedures were successful. There were no complications.

Discussion:

Embolization of varicoceles using NBCA glue is efficient and safe for all patients. The method should be considered as a method of choice in all patients. Phlebography and Valsalva maneuver are crucial for technical success and avoidance of complications.

Conclusions:

Endovascular treatment of varicoceles using NBCA glue is very effective and safe.

Sapheon: the solution?

Less invasive endovenous techniques have been shown to be as effective as open surgery in the treatment of varicose veins. Furthermore, they cause less postoperative bruising and pain and enable early return to normal activities and work. Tumescent anaesthesia is safe and obviates complications of general or spinal anaesthesia. Drawbacks are a steep learning curve and painful administration during treatment. Tumescentless techniques like Clarivein™ or VenaSeal™ Sapheon Closure System are recently under investigation. Short-term results of VenaSeal™ are comparable with thermal ablation. The procedure is safe without serious adverse events. Perioperative pain and patient discomfort with this tumescentless approach is minimal but postoperative recovery is temporarily hindered by thrombophlebitis in 14–15 % of patients. One-year results in a small feasibility study has demonstrated durable closure at this endpoint. No longer-term results are available. A randomized control trial between VenaSeal™ and Covidien ClosureFast™ is in a preparatory phase.