CU 05. Shunt from left vena spermatica interna to inferior epigastric vein in the treatment of nutcracker syndrome with varicocele: Report of 5 cases

Objective: To explore the outcome of a shunt from Left vena spermatica interna to inferior epigastric vein in the treatment of patients with nutcracker syndrome with severe varicocele.

Methods: Five patients with nutcracker syndrome with severe varicocele were identified from July 2006 to June 2011. The definite diagnosis were made by color Doppler flow imaging, computed tomography, or magnetic resonance imaging. They underwent varicocelectory and a shunt from Left vena spermatica interna to inferior epigastric vein. The post-operative outcomes were analyzed.

Results: All procedures were performed successfully. No post-operative complications including wound infection, vascular occlusion, and phlebothrombosis occurred. Varicocele disappeared in 4 cases and was improved in one case during follow-up.

Conclusions: Varicocelectory and a shunt from Left vena spermatica interna to inferior epigastric vein is a easy, safe and effective method for the treatment of nutcracker syndrome with varicocele.