ABSTRACT
Objective In order to choose the best surgical approach for minimally trauma varicocelectomy color Doppler ultrasound(CDU) was used to detect the anatomic relationships of spermatic vein in groin. Methods Sixty varicocele patients were randomly selected. Their spermatic veins were examined by CDU which beginning from superficial inguinal ring,passing the crossing point of spermatic vein and femoral artery ,and ending at the 3cm above the deep inguinal ring. The depths from skin to spennatic vein were measured and the relationships between spermatic vein and femoral artery were recorded. Results The average length of incision is 2.1cm and the average duration of operation is 22 minutes. The average depth from skin to spermatic vein was 1.1cm,1.55cm and 3.56cm respectively at the site of the superficial inguinal ring,the crossing point of spermatic vein and femoral artery,and the deep ingui-nal ring. Conclusion The best approach for minimally trauma varicocelectomy is at the crossing point of spermatic vein and femoral artery because here the spermatic vein is relative superficial and has merged into two or three vessels and the femoral artery can be easily touched by fingers.