Dr. Kim Gun-woo, Director of Mint Hospital, Presents Treatment Outcomes of Varicocele Embolization at KCR 2026
– 2008–2025 Treatment success rate 97.8% · Recurrence rate 2.2%
#Mint Hospital Interventional Radiology Specialist, Chief Director Kim Gun-woo
Kim Gun-woo, Director of the Interventional Center at Mint Hospital (Specialist in Interventional Radiology), attended 'KCR 2026 (The 82nd Korean Congress of Radiology)' as a speaker and presented the long-term treatment outcomes of varicocele embolization.
On the 11th, the third day of the conference, Director Kim Gun-woo gave a lecture on the topic of 'Interventional Management of Male Varicocele' at the 'Male Intervention' session.
In the presentation, the results of varicocele embolization treatment performed on 1751 patients at Mint Hospital were analyzed, and a treatment success rate of 97.8% and a recurrence rate of 2.2% were introduced.
Varicocele is a vascular disease in which the veins surrounding the testicles abnormally dilate due to the reflux of blood that prevents smooth drainage. It can cause a dull pain or discomfort in the scrotum and may require treatment as it is associated with testicular function and male infertility.
Varicocele embolization is an interventional treatment that involves inserting a thin catheter into a blood vessel to selectively block the problematic vein and prevent blood reflux; Director Kim Gun-woo introduced the treatment outcomes resulting from advancements in varicocele embolization techniques.
While the recurrence rate of coil-only embolization in the past was 10–25%, the introduction of a treatment combining coils and sclerosants has reduced the recurrence rate to 2–4%. Furthermore, it was emphasized that accurately understanding the anatomical structure of the testicular vein, which varies from patient to patient, and tailoring treatment accordingly is key to the success of the procedure and the prevention of recurrence.
Director Kim Gun-woo announced, “As surgical techniques for varicocele embolization have advanced, the recurrence rate has significantly decreased compared to the past, and interventional expertise in accurately identifying anatomical variations is crucial for treatment outcomes.”
Mint Hospital has treated approximately 5000 patients with varicocele over the past 18 years, from 2008 to the present in 2026. Embolization is an advanced treatment also applied to emergency conditions such as cerebral aneurysms, abdominal aortic aneurysms, liver cancer, and uterine fibroids.
#KCR2026
Meanwhile, KCR is Korea's leading radiology academic conference hosted by the Korean Society of Radiology, marking its 82nd edition this year.
This year's event was held under the theme 'Humanity Through Imaging.' Amidst the rapid advancement of medical imaging technologies, such as artificial intelligence, precision imaging, and multidisciplinary care, the theme conveyed the message that the ultimate value of medical imaging should be directed toward patients, society, and people.
Reporter Jung Hee-won happy1@sportsworldi.com
https://n.news.naver.com/mnews/article/396/0000755891?sid=103
