Balloon occlusion of the internal spermatic vein for the treatment of varicoceles.

Varicocele is one of the most common causes of male infertility. We have developed a technique for the treatment of this disorder in which occlusion of the internal spermatic vein is accomplished percutaneously using a detachable balloon. Twenty-one varicocceles in 20 patients have been treated successfully without complication. This procedure can be performed easily, without general anesthesia or surgical incision, on an outpatient basis.