Varicocele and uterine fibroids
Varicocele and pelvic vein embolization
The dilated veins responsible for varicocele and chronic pelvic pain are closed with cyanoacrylate, an embolic agent that has proven superior to other methods.
How it is performed
When the valves of the gonadal veins fail to function properly, blood pools and dilates the venous plexuses: in men this presents as varicocele, in women as pelvic congestion with a dull ache that worsens when standing and towards the end of the day. Through a small venous puncture (arm, neck or groin), a catheter reaches the responsible vein, which is closed with cyanoacrylate (an embolic glue) — an embolic agent that has proven superior to other methods such as microcoils and sclerosing agents. Blood flow is redirected through healthy circulation.
Who it is for
- Symptomatic varicocele or varicocele associated with abnormal semen parameters
- Chronic pelvic pain from pelvic venous congestion
- Atypical varicose veins of the buttock, thigh or vulva fed by the pelvic circulation
Recovery
Day-case procedure, with no surgical incisions: you can walk after a few hours and return to work in 1-2 days. Pain improvement is generally progressive over the following weeks.
Conditions treated in this area: chronic pelvic pain and pelvic varicocele, uterine fibroids with pain and bleeding.
Scientific evidence
Systematic reviews on embolization for pelvic congestion syndrome report pain improvement in the large majority of patients, with a low complication rate. For varicocele, interventional radiology case series document high technical and clinical success rates, with a minimally invasive approach under local anaesthesia. Dr. Ezio Lanza is first author of a study on the long-term effectiveness of male varicocele embolization with NBCA-MS glue and on catheter choice (International Urology and Nephrology, 2025), which documents stable results over time with a low recurrence rate.
References on PubMed
- Long-term efficacy and catheter choice in male varicocele embolization using NBCA-MS glue
Lanza E, Mininni A, Tomasino L, et al. — Int Urol Nephrol, 2025 · PMID 39739219
- Pelvic Congestion Syndrome: Systematic Review of Treatment Success
Brown CL, Rizer M, et al. — Semin Intervent Radiol, 2018 · PMID 29628614
- Efficacy of embolotherapy for the treatment of pelvic congestion syndrome: A systematic review
Hanna J, Bruinsma J, et al. — Ir J Med Sci, 2024 · PMID 38294607
- Varicocele Embolization: Interventional Radiologist's Perspective
Torkian P, Rosenberg M, et al. — Semin Intervent Radiol, 2022 · PMID 36561796
Published data describe average results in groups of patients and are not a prediction of an individual outcome. The indication for treatment must always be assessed during a consultation.
Want to know if it is right for you?
At the first consultation we review your clinical history and previous imaging together.