SONOGRAPHIC DIAGNOSTICS OF PERSISTING VAR ICOCELES AFTER SCLEROTHERAPY

252 consecutive patients with left-sided idiopathic varicocele were ad mitted into this prospective study. 30 patients did not receive a tran scatheter sclerotherapy on account of their venous morphology on the s elective phlebogram. Ultrasound examinations including Doppler sonogra phy were performed before and 1, 3, and 6 to 12 (average 1 0) months a fter transcatheter sclerotherapy of the varicocele. For evaluation of therapeutic success the maximal diameter of the pampiniform plexus, th e maximal diameter of the largest vein of the plexus, and, by means of Doppler ultrasound, reflux were measured. A continual decrease of the se parameters was observed approximately one year after sclerotherapy. 9 % of patients (20 patients) had a persisting varicocele. A prematur e decision for repeat sclerotherapy or operative correction of possibl y persisting varicoceles can be avoided by employing a sonographical f ollow-up of more than 10 months.