ABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the temperature change of scrotum caused by varicocele(VC) and its significance.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>One hundred and sixty-six VC patients were examined by infrared ray imaging and colored ultrasonic scanning, and the results were analyzed. Comparisons of the infrared ray images and the routine semen analysis of 106 of the patients were made between before and after the operation.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The difference in the infrared ray images between before and after the operation on the VC patients was significant (P < 0.01), and so was the difference in the results of semen analysis(P < 0.01; some of the items P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The infrared ray imaging, together with the semen analysis and colored ultrasonic scanning, had a directive value for the diagnosis and treatment of VC patients.</p>