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Efficacy and Safety of Two Different n-Butyl-2-Cyanoacrylates for the Embolization of Varicoceles: A Prospective, Randomized, Blinded Study

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Abstract

Purpose

This was a prospective, randomized, blinded comparative study of the efficacy and safety of two different n-butyl-2-cyanoacrylates (NBCAs) for embolization of varicoceles.

Methods

A total of 112 insufficient spermatic veins (left-sided, n = 84; right-sided, n = 28) that were diagnosed in 83 adult males were prospectively randomized for blinded embolization with NBCA (n = 54; Histoacryl, Braun, Germany) or NBCA-MS (n = 58; Glubran2, General Enterprise Marketing, Viareggio, Lucca, Italy). Handling, embolic efficacy, and safety of both NBCAs were compared according the fulfillment of a standardized embolization plan, the occlusive effect on the spermatic vein, and the sticking to the microcatheter. Statistical analysis was performed with the Mann–Whitney U test and the Fisher’s exact test.

Results

Patients of both study arms were comparable for age and clinical indication. Spermatic vein characteristics were comparable for varicocele classification and embolization side. Both NBCAs were equally efficient in occluding the spermatic vein and blocking reflux (NBCA, n = 54/54, 100% vs. NBCA-MS, n = 54/57, 94.7%; P = 0.244). The embolization plan could be accomplished in an equal number of veins for both groups (NBCA, n = 45/54, 83.3% vs. NBCA-MS, n = 41/58, 70.7%; P = 0.124). Adhesiveness of the glue to the microcatheter was the same in both NBCA groups (NBCA, n = 25/54, 46.3% vs. NBCA-MS, n = 29/58, 50%; P = 0.71). No glue-related complications were noted.

Conclusions

NBCA and NBCA-MS are equally efficient and safe glues for embolization of varicoceles.

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The authors declare that they have no conflict.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Vascular and Interventional Radiology, Ghent University Hospital, De Pintelaan 185, 9000, Ghent, Belgium

    Peter Vanlangenhove, Katrien De Keukeleire & Luc Defreyne

  2. Department of Urology, Ghent University Hospital, De Pintelaan 185, 9000, Ghent, Belgium

    Karel Everaert

  3. Department of Statistics, Ghent University Hospital, De Pintelaan 185, 9000, Ghent, Belgium

    Georges Van Maele

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  1. Peter Vanlangenhove
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  2. Katrien De Keukeleire
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  3. Karel Everaert
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  4. Georges Van Maele
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  5. Luc Defreyne
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Correspondence to Peter Vanlangenhove.

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Vanlangenhove, P., De Keukeleire, K., Everaert, K. et al. Efficacy and Safety of Two Different n-Butyl-2-Cyanoacrylates for the Embolization of Varicoceles: A Prospective, Randomized, Blinded Study. Cardiovasc Intervent Radiol 35, 598–606 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00270-011-0188-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00270-011-0188-9

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