STUDIES ON IDIOPATHIC VARICOCELE

I: Comparative Studies on Various Diagnostics in Varicocele

Abstract

At the present time, as diagnostic methods for varicocele, the authors are using inspection and palpation, ultrasonic method (tomography and doppler), scrotal skin contact thermometry and phlebography of the spermatic vein. In this study, a comparative investigation of the results obtained using these methods has been conducted.
The subjects were 710 males who reported to the Toho University Attached Hospital complaining of infertility, during the 5 years from April 1978 through March 1983.
The following results were obtained:
1) As a result of inspection and palpation diagnosis, 266 (37.5%) of the 710 infertile males were diagnosed as left varicocele and 18 as right varicocele.
2) Ultrasonic method (tomography and doppler) made accurate diagnosis and classification of degree possible. The frequency of identification of right varicocele as a complication increased to 29.4%.
3) Scrotal skin contact thermometry was used as a supplementary diagnostic method and contributed to estimation of post-surgery efficacy.
4) Phlebography of the spermatic vein was conducted in 30 patients. Collateral veins were observed in 25 cases and anastomoses with numerous other veins in the lower spermatic vein were elucidated. Moreover, 4 cases with right varicocele which could not be discovered by the ultrasonic method, were further added.