sql server 2008 - Stored procedure return SELECT only with rows -

i set sql stored procedure return specific row in specific order (from more less important):

-- 1st level -> query more detailed object... select ... -- if result find, sp returning correct row. -- if rowcount = 0 then, sp returning empty row  -- , continues next query (less specific 1st one).  if @@rowcount = 0 begin select .... else...   -- again, if result exists, sp returns correct row,   -- result of 1st query returned without rows...  if @@rowcount = 0  begin  select .... else again...  end end 

is there option return select statement returns non empty row? don't want return empty rows... , each time row "sub-level" of 1st query, empty results before correct row.

i thinking create table variable. there better ways?

since looking lack of rows why not use if/else statement in procedure. like:

if exists(/*firstquery*/ select ... something) begin    select ... end else if exists (/*secondquery*/ select .... else... ) begin    select .... else...  end else /*third query*/ begin     select .... else again... end 

just remember when checking exists should select 1 column (for example id) if have calculated columns can slow down procedure.