ULTRASOUND FOLLOW-UP OF ETHANOLAMINE OLEATE SCLEROTHERAPY FOR SPERMATOCELES

Although sclerotherapy as a treatment for hydroceles has gained in pop ularity during the last few years, there is no consensus on whether it can also be adopted for the treatment of spermatoceles. We examine he re the efficacy and safety of ethanolamine oleate sclerotherapy in cas es of spermatocele using ultrasound (US) before treatment and during f ollow-up. Thirty-seven consecutive outpatients aged 36-84 years (mean 61) with symptoms of 40 spermatoceles (1-3 chambers) treated by sclero therapy were included in the series. It is concluded that US allows mu ltilocular spermatoceles to be differentiated from hydroceles. Post-tr eatment US findings are typical, including heteroechoic masses with cy stic areas extratesticularly, hyperechoic lines peritesticularly (thic kened tunicas) and a thickened scrotal wall. All lesions are reversibl e, however. US is helpful when assessing the need for resclerotherapy. Ethanolamine oleate proved to be effective as a sclerosant, as 83% of the cases were cured or became significantly better. Complications we re few and there were no changes in the epididymis. Ethanolamine oleat e sclerotherapy can be recommended as an alternative treatment to surg ery, especially in older patients with spermatoceles consisting of 1-3 chambers.