Outcomes of endoscopic sclerotherapy for jejunal varices at the site of choledochojejunostomy (with video): Three case reports

BACKGROUND Hemorrhage associated with varices at the site of choledochojejunostomy is an unusual,difficult to treat,and often fatal manifestation of portal hypertension.So far,no treatment guidelines have been established.CASE SUMMARY We reported three patients with jejunal varices at the site of choledochojejun-ostomy managed by endoscopic sclerotherapy with lauromacrogol/α-butyl cyanoacrylate injection at our institution between June 2021 and August 2023.We reviewed all patient records,clinical presentation,endoscopic findings and treatment,outcomes and follow-up.Three patients who underwent pancre-aticoduodenectomy with a Whipple anastomosis were examined using conven-tional upper gastrointestinal endoscopy for suspected hemorrhage from the afferent jejunal loop.Varices with stigmata of recent hemorrhage or active he-morrhage were observed around the choledochojejunostomy site in all three patients.Endoscopic injection of lauromacrogol/α-butyl cyanoacrylate was carried out at jejunal varices for all three patients.The bleeding ceased and patency was observed for 26 and 2 months in two patients.In one patient with multiorgan failure and internal environment disturbance,rebleeding occurred 1 month after endoscopic sclerotherapy,and despite a second endoscopic sclero-therapy,repeated episodes of bleeding and multiorgan failure resulted in eventual death.CONCLUSION We conclude that endoscopic sclerotherapy with lauromacrogol/α-butyl cyanoac-rylate injection can be an easy,effective,safe and low-cost treatment option for jejunal varicose bleeding at the site of choledochojejunostomy.

Sclerotherapy in a case of multiple glomuvenous malformation

In this study, we present a representative case of multiple glomuvenous malformation in a 12-year-old female patient. Approximately five years ago, the patient developed multiple blue-purple papules and plaques on her hypogastrium and right thigh, which progressively enlarged and presented tenderness. Histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of glomuvenous malformation. Following two injections of lauromacrogol, a significant improvement was observed in the lesions, including a resolution of tenderness. These findings suggest that sclerotherapy not only exhibits evident therapeutic efficacy but also effectively alleviates pain while addressing both aesthetic and therapeutic concerns.

Sclerotherapy as the Only Treatment for Varicose Veins

Background: Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) is a widespread and underdiagnosed condition that affects more than 20% of the general population. The most prevalent manifestation of CVI is varicose veins (VVs), which affect up to 25% of women and 15% of males. Sclerotherapy is a minimally invasive procedure used primarily in treating telangiectasias, reticular veins, and small varicose veins. Objectives: This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of various sclerotherapy techniques in treating varicose veins-related complications. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional observational interventional study at Jordan University Hospital (JUH) from September 2022 to January 2023. The study involved patients with lower limb varicose veins, assessing their clinical response and monitoring potential treatment complications. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS software version 21.0. Results: Of 567 patients with diagnosed VVs, 544 were female (95.94%), and 23 were male (4.06%). The primary complaints were pain and cosmetic concerns. Treatments included Foam Aethoxysklerol® 3% (polidocanol) and Micro-foam Aethoxysklerol® 1%. Improvement in symptoms was reported by 538 patients (94.89%). The most common adverse event was hyperpigmentation, reported in 120 patients (21.16%), followed by post-procedural pain in 104 patients (18.34%). Notably, one patient (0.18%) experienced deep vein thrombosis (DVT), one (0.18%) reported telangiectatic matting, and there were two cases (0.36%) of visual disturbances and one allergic reaction. Conclusion: Sclerotherapy is effective and safe for treating VVs with minimal adverse events. It is a viable standalone treatment, reducing complications linked to other methods like radiofrequency ablation and surgery.

Application of Endovenous Laser Treatment Combined with Foam Sclerotherapy for the Minimally Invasive Treatment of Great Saphenous Vein Varicosity

Objective:To evaluate the efficacy of endovenous laser treatment(EVLT)combined with foam sclerotherapy(FS)in the treatment of great saphenous vein varicosity(GSVV).Methods:A total of 50 patients with GSVV,treated between March 2021 and March 2024,were selected and randomly divided into two groups using a random number table.The combination group(25 cases)underwent EVLT combined with FS,while the conventional group(25 cases)underwent EVLT alone.The total effective rate,complication rate,disease severity score,and serological indicators were compared between the two groups.Results:The total effective rate in the combination group was higher,and the complication rate was lower compared to the conventional group(P<0.05).One week after surgery,the disease severity score in the combination group was lower,coagulation function indicators were better,and inflammatory factor levels were lower compared to the conventional group(P<0.05).Conclusion:EVLT combined with FS can improve the clinical efficacy in GSVV patients,prevent postoperative complications,reduce disease severity,protect patients’coagulation function,and alleviate postoperative inflammatory responses,showing significant advantages in combined surgery.

Cap-assisted endoscopic sclerotherapy for hemorrhoids: Methods, feasibility and efficacy

AIM: To evaluate the methodology, feasibility, safety and efficacy of a novel method called cap-assisted endoscopic sclerotherapy(CAES) for internal hemorrhoids.METHODS: A pilot study on CAES for grade Ⅰ to Ⅲ internal hemorrhoids was performed. Colon and terminal ileum examination by colonoscopy was performed for all patients before starting CAES. Polypectomy and excision of anal papilla fibroma were performed if polyps or anal papilla fibroma were found and assessed to be suitable for resection under endoscopy. CAES was performed based on the requirement of the cap, endoscope, disposable endoscopic long injection needle, enough insufflated air and sclerosing agent.RESULTS: A total of 30 patients with grade Ⅰ to Ⅲ internal hemorrhoids was included. The follow-up was more than four weeks. No bleeding was observed after CAES. One(3.33%) patient claimed mild tenesmus within four days after CAES in that an endoscopist performed this procedure for the first time. One hundred percent of patients were satisfied with this novel procedure, especially for those patients who underwent CAES in conjunction with polypectomy or excision of anal papilla fibroma.CONCLUSION: CAES as a novel endoscopic sclerotherapy should be a convenient, safe and effective flexible endoscopic therapy for internal hemorrhoids.

Successful endoscopic sclerotherapy for bleeding gastric varices with combined cyanoacrylate and aethoxysklerol

Two patients with liver cirrhosis and portal hyper-tension related to hepatitis infection were admitted to Shanghai Ruijin Hospital due to recurrent melena and hematemesis. Isolated gastric varices were observed in the gastric fundus during the retroflexion of gastroscope. We carried out endoscopic sclerotherapy successfully for bleeding gastric varices with combined cyanoacrylate and aethoxysklerol, which disappeared dramatically several months after two courses of sclerotherapy for each patient. No complication and clinical signs of gastrointestinal re-bleeding were observed during the 6-mo endoscopic follow-up. CT portal angiography (CTPA) has been widely used in the assessment of variceal treatment and improves the results of endoscopic injection therapy.

Role of combined propofol and sufentanil anesthesia in endoscopic injection sclerotherapy for esophageal varices

AIM To investigate the efficacy and safety of a combination of sufentanil and propofol injection in patients undergoing endoscopic injection sclerotherapy(EIS) for esophageal varices(EVs). METHODS Patients with severe EVs who underwent EIS with sufentanil and propofol anesthesia between April 2016 and July 2016 at our hospital were reviewed. Although EIS and sequential therapy were performed under endotracheal intubation, we only evaluated the efficacy and safety of anesthesia for the first EIS procedure. Patients were intravenously treated with 0.5-1 μg/kg sufentanil. Anesthesia was induced with 1-2 mg/kg propofol and maintained using 2-5 mg/kg per hour of propofol. Information, regarding age, sex, weight, American Association of Anesthesiologists(ASA) physical status, Child-Turcotte-Pugh(CTP) classification, indications, preanesthetic problems, endoscopic procedure, successful completion of the procedure, anesthesia time, recovery time, and anesthetic agents, was recorded. Adverse events, including hypotension, hypertension, bradycardia, and hypoxia, were also noted.RESULTS Propofol and sufentanil anesthesia was provided in 182 procedures involving 140 men and 42 women aged 56.1± 11.7 years(range, 25-83 years). The patients weighed 71.4 ± 10.7 kg(range, 45-95 kg) and had ASA physical status classifications of Ⅱ(79 patients) or Ⅲ(103 patients). Ninety-five patients had a CTP classification of A and 87 had a CTP classification of B. Intravenous anesthesia was successful in all cases. The mean anesthesia time was 33.1 ± 5.8 min. The mean recovery time was 12.3 ± 3.7 min. Hypotension occurred in two patients(1.1%, 2/182). No patient showed hypertension during the endoscopic therapy procedure. Bradycardia occurred in one patient(0.5%, 1/182), and hypoxia occurred in one patient(0.5%, 1/182). All complications were easily treated with no adverse sequelae. All endoscopic procedures were completed successfully.CONCLUSION The combined use of propofol and sufentanil injection in endotracheal intubation-assisted EIS for EVs is effective and safe.

Comparison between endoscopic sclerotherapy and band ligation for hemostasis of acute variceal bleeding

AIM:To compare band ligation(BL) with endoscopic sclerotherapy(SCL) in patients admitted to an emergency unit for esophageal variceal rupture. METHODS:A prospective,randomized,single-center study without crossover was conducted.After endoscopic diagnosis of esophageal variceal rupture,patients were randomized into groups for SCL or BL treatment.Sclerotherapy was performed by ethanolamine oleate intravascular injection both above and below the rupture point,with a maximum volume of 20 mL.For BL patients,banding at the rupture point was attempted,followed by ligation of all variceal tissue of the distal esophagus.Primary outcomes for both groups were initial failure of bleeding control(5 d) ,early re-bleeding(5 d to 6 wk),and complications,including mortality.From May 2005 to May 2007,100 patients with variceal bleeding were enrolled in thestudy:50 SCL and 50 BL patients.No differences between groups were observed across gender,age,ChildPugh status,presence of shock at admission,mean hemoglobin levels,and variceal size. RESULTS:No differences were found between groups for bleeding control,early re-bleeding rates,complications,or mortality.After 6 wk,36(80%) SCL and 33(77 %) EBL patients were alive and free of bleeding.A statistically significant association between Child-Pugh status and mortality was found,with 16%mortality in Child A and B patients and 84%mortality in Child C patients(P<0.001) . CONCLUSION:Despite the limited number of patients included,our results suggest that SCL and BL are equally efficient for the control of acute variceal bleeding.

Results of percutaneous sclerotherapy and surgical treatment in patients with symptomatic simple liver cysts and polycystic liver disease

AIM: To evaluate the results of the treatment of simple liver cysts (solitary and multiple) and polycystic liver disease (PLD) using percutaneous sclerotherapy and/or surgical procedures in a single tertiary referral centre. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of 54 patients referred for evaluation and possible treatment of simple liver cysts (solitary and multiple) and PLD, from January 1997 to July 2006. RESULTS: Simple liver cysts were treated in 41 pts (76/) with a mean size of 12.6 cm. The most common reason for referral was abdominal pain or discomfort (85/). Percutaneous sclerotherapy was performed as initial treatment in 30 pts, showing cyst recurrence in 6 pts (20/). Surgical treatment was initially performed in 11 pts with cyst recurrence in 3 pts (27/). PLD was treated in 13 pts (24/) with a mean size of the dominant cyst of 13 cm. Percutaneous sclerotherapy for PLD was performed in 9 pts with recurrence in 7 pts (77.8/). Surgical treatment for PLD was undertaken in 4 pts (30.8/) with recurrence in all. Eventually, 2 pts with PLD in the presence of polycystic kidney disease underwent liver-and kidney transplantation because of deterioration of liver and kidney function. CONCLUSION: The majority of patients with simple liver cysts and PLD are referred for progressive abdominal pain. As initial treatment, percutaneous sclerotherapy is appropriate. Surgical deroofing is indicated in caseof cyst recurrence after percutaneous sclerotherapy. However, the results of percutaneous sclerotherapy and surgical treatment for PLD are disappointing. Partial liver resection is indicated when there is suspicion of a pre-malignant lesion.

Prevalence of gastric varices and results of sclerotherapy with N-butyl 2 cyanoacrylate for controlling acute gastric variceal bleeding

AIM： To study the prevalence, predictors and control of bleeding following N-butyl 2 cyanoacrylate （NBC） sclerotherapy of gastric varix （GV）. METHODS： We analyzed case records of 1436 patients with portal hypertension, who underwent endoscopy during the past five years for variceal screening or upper gastrointestinal （GI） bleeding. Fifty patients with bleeding GV underwent sclerotherapy with a mean of 2 mL NBC for control of bleeding. Outcome parameters were primary hemostasis （bleeding control within the first 48 h）, recurrent bleeding （after 48 h of esophagogastro-duodenoscopy） and in-hospital mortality were analyzed. RESULTS： The prevalence of GV in patients with portal hypertension was 15% （220/1436） and the incidence of bleeding was 22.7% （50/220）. Out of the 50 bleeding GV patients, isolated gastric varices （IGV-Ⅰ） were seen in 22 （44%）, gastro-oesophageal varices （GOV） on lesser curvature （GOV-Ⅰ） in 16 （32%）, and GOV on greater curvature （GOV-Ⅱ） in 15 （30%）. IGV-Ⅰ was seen in 44% （22/50） patients who had bleeding as compared to 23% （39/170） who did not have bleeding （P 〈 0.003）. Primary hernostasis was achieved with NBC in all patients. Re-bleeding occurred in 7 （14%） patients after 48 h of initial sclerotherapy. Secondary hemostasis was achieved with repeat NBC sclerotherapy in 4/7 （57%）. Three patients died after repeat sclerotherapy, one during transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic stem shunt （TIPSS）, one during surgery and one due to uncontrolled bleeding. Treatment failure-related mortality rate was 6% （3/50）. CONCLUSION： GV can be seen in 15% of patients with portal hypertension and the incidence of bleeding is 22.7%. NBC is highly effective in controlling GV bleeding. In hospital mortality of patients with bleeding GV is 6%.

Aluminum potassium sulfate and tannic acid sclerotherapy for Goligher Grades Ⅱ and Ⅲ hemorrhoids: Results from a multicenter study

AIM: To show that aluminum potassium sulfate and tannic acid(ALTA) sclerotherapy has a high success rate for Grade Ⅱ and Ⅲ hemorrhoids.METHODS: This study was based on the clinical data of 604 patients with hemorrhoids who underwent ALTA sclerotherapy between January 2009 and February 2015. The objective of this study was to assess the efficacy of this treatment for Grades Ⅱ and Ⅲ hemorrhoids. Preoperative and postoperative symptoms, complications and success rate were all assessed retrospectively. Follow-up consisted of a simple questionnaire, physical examination and an anoscopy. Patients were followed-up at one day, one week, two weeks, one month, one year, two years, three years, four years and five years after the ALTA sclerotherapy.RESULTS: One hundred and sixty-nine patients were diagnosed with Grade Ⅱ hemorrhoids and 435 patients were diagnosed with Grade Ⅲ hemorrhoids. The one year, three year and five year cumulative success rates of ALTA sclerotherapy for Grades Ⅱ and Ⅲ hemo-rrhoids were 95.9% and 93.1%; 89.3% and 83.7%; and 89.3% and 78.2%, respectively. No significant differences were observed in the cumulative success rates after ALTA sclerotherapy between Grades Ⅱ and Ⅲ hemorrhoids(P = 0.09). There were forty-seven post-operative complications(low grade fever; anal pain; urinary retention; rectal ulcer; and others). No serious or life-threatening complications occurred and all cases improved through conservative treatment. At univariate analysis there were no predictive factors of failure.CONCLUSION: ALTA sclerotherapy has had a high success rate for Grade Ⅱ and Ⅲ hemorrhoids during five years of post-operative treatment. However, additional studies are needed to evaluate the efficacy of this ALTA sclerotherapy in the management of hemorrhoidal disease.

Treatment of rectal prolapse in children with cow milk injection sclerotherapy:30-year experience

AIM:To evaluate the role and our experience of injecti-on sclerotherapy with cow milk in the treatment of rectal prolapse in children. METHODS:In the last 30 years (1976-2006) we made 100 injections of sclerotherapy with cow milk in 86 chil-dren. In this study we included children who failed to respond to conservative treatment and we perform ope-rative treatment. RESULTS:In our study we included 86 children and in all of the patients we perform cow milk injection sclerot-herapy. In 95.3% (82 children) of patients sclerotherapy was successful. In 4 (4.7%) patients we had recurrent rectal prolapse where we performed operative treatment. Below 4 years we had 62 children (72%) and 24 older children (28%). In children who needed operative trea-tment we performed Thiersch operation and without any complications. CONCLUSION:Injection sclerotherapy with cow milk for treatment rectal prolapse in children is a simple and effective treatment for rectal prolapse with minimal com-plications.

Small intestinal hemolymphangioma treated with enteroscopic injection sclerotherapy: A case report and review of literature

BACKGROUND Hemolymphangiomas are rare malformations composed of both lymphatic and vascular vessels and are located in the pancreas,spleen,mediastinum,etc.Small intestinal hemolymphangioma is extremely rare and often presents as obscure gastrointestinal bleeding.It is rarely diagnosed correctly before the operation.Endoscopic injection sclerotherapy is usually used as a management of bleeding in esophageal varices and was occasionally reported as a treatment of vascular malformation.The treatment of small intestinal hemolymphangioma with enteroscopic injection sclerotherapy has not been reported.CASE SUMMARY A 42-year-old male complained of recurrent episodes of melena and dizziness,fatigue and reduced exercise capacity for more than 2 mo.Gastroduodenoscopy and blood test revealed a gastric ulcer and anemia.Treatment with oral protonpump inhibitors and iron did not improve symptoms.We then performed a capsule endoscopy and anterograde balloon-assisted enteroscopy and revealed a hemolymphangioma.Considering it is a benign tumor without malignant potential,we performed enteroscopic injection sclerotherapy.He was discharged 4 days later.At follow-up 3 mo later,the melena disappeared.Balloon-assisted enteroscopy revealed an atrophied tumor atrophied and no bleeding.Argon plasma coagulation was applied to the surface of the hemolymphangioma to accelerated healing.When he returned for follow-up 1 year later,anemia was resolved and the tumor had been cured.CONCLUSION Balloon-assisted enteroscopy and capsule endoscopy are effective methods for diagnosis of hemolymphangioma.Enteroscopic injection sclerotherapy is an effective treatment.

A new technique of combined endoscopic sclerotherapy and ligation for variceal bleeding

AIM: To develop a technique of combined endoscopic sclerotherapy and ligation (ESL) in which both techniques of endoscopic sclerotherapy (ES) and endoscopic variceal ligation (EVL) can be optimally used.METHODS: ESL was performed in 10 patients (age 46.4±7.9;9 males, 1 female) with cirrhosis of liver using sclerotherapy needle and Speedband, Superview multiple band ligater (Boston Scientific, Microvasive, Watertown, MA). A single band was placed 5-10 cm proximal to the gastro-esophageal junction over each varix from proximal to distal margin,followed by intravariceal injection of 1.5 % ethoxysclerol (4 ml each) 2 to 3 cm proximal to the gastroesophageal junction on the ligated varices distal to deployed band. EVL was then performed at the injection site. Similarly other varices were also injected and ligated from distal to proximally. In the subsequent sessions, ES alone was performed to sclerose small varices at the gastroesophageal junction.RESULTS: ESL was successfully performed in all patients.A median of 3 (ESL 1, ES 2) sessions (ranged 1-4) were required to eradicate the varices in 9 (90 %) of 10 patients.Recurrence of varices without bleed was seen in 1 patient during a mean follow-up of 10.3 months (ranged 6-15).Two patients died of liver failure. None died of variceal bleeding. None of the patients had procedure related complications.CONCLUSION: ESL may be useful in the fast eradication of esophageal varices. However, randomised controlled trials are required to find out its relative efficacy and impact on variceal recurrence in comparison to ES or EVL.

Natural history of a randomized trial comparing distal spleno-renal shunt with endoscopic sclerotherapy in the prevention of variceal rebleeding:A lesson from the past

AIM: To compare endoscopic sclerotherapy (ES) with distal splenorenal shunt (DSRS) in the prevention of recurrent variceal bleeding in cirrhotic patients during a long-term follow-up period. METHODS: In 1984 we started a prospective, controlled study of patients with liver cirrhosis. Long-term follow-up presents a natural history of liver cirrhosis complicated by advanced portal hypertension. In this study the effects of 2 types of treatment, DSRS or ES, were evaluated. The study population included 80 patients with cirrhosis and portal hypertension referred to our department from October 1984 to March 1991. These patients were drawn from a pool of 282 patients who underwent either elective surgery or ES during the same period of time. Patients were assigned to one of the 2 groups according to a random number table: 40 to DSRS and 40 to ES using polidocanol. RESULTS: During the postoperative period, no DSRS patient died, while one ES patient died of uncontrolled hemorrhage. One DSRS patient had mild recurrent variceal hemorrhage despite an angiographically patent DSRS and another patient suffered duodenal ulcer rebleeding. Eight ES patients suffered at least one episode of gastrointestinal bleeding: 4 from varices and 4 from esophageal ulcerations. Eight ES patients developed transitory dysphagia. Long-term follow- up was completed in all patients except for 5 cases (2 DSRS and 3 ES patients). Five-year survival rates for shunt (73%) and ES (56%) groups were statistically different: in this follow-up period and in subsequent follow-ups this difference decreased and ceased to be of statistical relevance. The primary cause of deathbecame hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Four DSRS patients rebled due to duodenal ulcer, while eleven ES patients had recurrent bleeding from esophago-gastric sources (seven from varices, three from hypertensive gastropathy, one from esophageal ulcerations) and two from unknown sources. Nine DSRS and 2 ES patients developed a chronic encephalopathy; 13 DSRS and 5 ES patients suffered at least one episode of acute encephalopathy. Five ES patients had esophageal stenoses, which were successfully dilated. CONCLUSION: In a subgroup of patients with good liver function, DSRS with a correct portal-azygos disconnection more effectively prevents variceal rebleeding than ES. However, this positive effect did not influence the long-term survival because other factors (e.g. HCC) were more important in deciding the fate of the cirrhotic patients with portal hypertension.

Successful endoscopic sclerotherapy for cholecystojejunostomy variceal bleeding in a patient with pancreatic head cancer

Variceal bleeding outside the esophagus and stomach is rare but important because of its difficult diagnosis and treatment.Bleeding from cholecystojejunostomy varices has been reported to be a late complication of palliative biliary surgery for chronic pancreatitis.Such ectopic variceal bleeding has never been reported after palliative surgery for pancreatic cancer,probably because of the limited lifespan of these patients. Herein,we report our successful experience using endoscopic cyanoacrylate sclerotherapy to treat bleeding from cholecystojejunostomy varices in a 57-year-old man with pancreatic head cancer.To our knowledge,this is the first case report in the literature of this rare complication.

Long-term efficacy and safety of cap-assisted endoscopic sclerotherapy with long injection needle for internal hemorrhoids

BACKGROUND Hemorrhoids are a common anal condition and can afflict an individual at any age.Epidemiological survey results in China show that the prevalence of anorectal diseases is as high as 50.1%among which 98.08%of patients have hemorrhoid symptoms.AIM To assess long-term efficacy and safety of cap-assisted endoscopic sclerotherapy(CAES)with long injection needle for internal hemorrhoids.METHODS This study was retrospective.Data from patients with symptomatic internal hemorrhoids treated with CAES using endoscopic long injection needle from April 2016 to December 2019 were collected.Patients were telephoned and followed at two time points,December 2020 and 2021,to evaluate the improvements in symptoms,complications,recurrence,and satisfaction.RESULTS Two hundreds and one patients with internal hemorrhoids underwent CAES with the long needle.The first median follow-up was performed 33 mo postoperatively.Symptoms improved in 87.5%of patients after the first CAES.Efficacy did not decrease with treatment time extension.Fifty-four patients underwent colonoscopy after the first CAES treatment of which 21 underwent CAES again,and 4 underwent hemorrhoidectomy.At the first follow-up,62.7%of patients had both improved hemorrhoid grades and symptoms,and 27.4%had a significant improvement in both parameters.At the second follow-up,61.7%of the patients showed satisfactory improvement in their hemorrhoid grade and symptoms when compared with pre-surgery values.90%of patients reported CAES was painless,and 85%were satisfied/very satisfied with CAES treatment outcomes.CONCLUSION The present study based on the largest sample size reported the long-term follow-up of the treatment for internal hemorrhoid with the CAES using endoscopic long injection needle.Our findings demonstrate that CAES should be a micro-invasive endoscopic technology yields satisfactory long-term efficacy and safety.

The role of varicocele sclerotherapy in men with severe ol igo-astheno-teratozoos perm ia

The aim of this study was to verify the role of antegrade scrotal sclerotherapy for the treatment of varicoceles in infertile men with severe oligo-astheno-teratozoospermia （OAT）. The 59 patients with severe OAT in this study underwent antegrade scrotal sclerotherapy for the treatment of varicoceles. The outcome was assessed in terms of improvement in semen parameters and spontaneous conception rate. Semen parameters and reproductive hormones were evaluated before antegrade sclerotherapy （AS） and 6 months after AS. After an average follow-up time of 34.8_＋3.2 months, significant improvement was noted in the mean sperm concentration, motility and morphology in 36 patients （61%）. Spontaneous pregnancy occurred in nine couples （15%）. Six months after treatment, inhibin B levels were significantly higher （P〉0.04）, whereas follicle-stimulating hormone （FSH） levels were significantly lower （P〈0.001） than before treatment. Antegrade internal spermatic vein sclerotherapy can significantly improve seminal parameters and hormonal parameters in men with severe OAT and may even result in spontaneous pregnancy in couples who would otherwise be candidates for intracytoplasmic sperm injection （ICSI）.

Induction of spermatogenesis in men with azoospermia or severe oligoteratoasthenospermia after antegrade internal spermatic vein sclerotherapy for the treatment of varicocele

Aim： To evaluate the treatment outcome of antegrade internal spermatic vein sclerotherapy in men with non-obstructive azoospermia or severe oligoteratoasthenospermia （OTA） as a result of varicocele. Methods： Between September 1995 and January 2004, 47 patients （mean age 33.8 ± 6.3 years） underwent antegrade internal spermatic vein sclerotherapy for the treatment of varicocele with azoospermia （14 patients） or severe OTA （33 patients）. Testicular core biopsy was also performed in complete azoospermic patients who provided informed consent. The outcome was assessed in terms of improvement in semen parameters and conception rate. Results： Forty-two （89.4%） of 47 patients had bilateral varicocele. Serum follicle stimulating hormone （FSH） did not differ between patients with azoospermia and severe OTA. After the follow-up of 24.8 ± 9.2 months, significant improvement was noted in mean sperm concentration, motility and morphology in 35 patients （74.5%）. Comparison between groups during the follow-up revealed significantly higher values of sperm concentration, motility and normal morphology in the severe OTA group. Pregnancy was achieved in 14 cases （29.8%）. Testicular histopathology of the azoospermic patients with postoperative induction of spermatogenesis revealed maturation arrest at spermatid stage, Sertoli-cell-only （SCO） with focal spermatogenesis or hypospermatogenesis. None of the patients with pure SCO pattern or maturation arrest at spermatocyte stage achieved spermatogenesis after the treatment. Preoperative serum FSH levels didn＇t relate to treatment outcome. Conclusion： Antegrade internal spermatic vein sclerotherapy is an easy and effective treatment for symptomatic varicocele. It can significantly reverse testicular dysfunction and improve spermatogenesis in men with severe OTA, as well as induce sperm production in men with azoospermia, improving pregnancy rates in subfertile couples.

Antegrade scrotal sclerotherapy and varicocele

Antegrade scrotal sclerotherapy is a simple and easy technique for the treatment of varicocele. The success rate varies between 87% and 95%. The initial reflux grade and the number of collateral vessels of the spermatic vein are the most important factors to predict the outcome of the technique. The postoperative complication rate is about 7% and the common ones are scrotal hematoma and epididymo-orchitis of slight severity. Testicular athrophy is a rare event (0.6%). This technique offers a considerable cost reduction compared to other therapeutic options currently available for varicocele.