Bi-directional doppler assessment of primary varicoceles

ABSTRACT

Bidirectional Doppler ultrasonography was used in the present study in 40 patients with primary varicoceles and 10 control cases. It was found to be a sensitive non invasive method to diagnose the various degrees of primary varicoceles and to detect subclinical cases [4 cases]. These latter patients showed retrograde venous reflux, abnormal spermogram but no palpable varicoceles. The grading of varicoceles, by studying the velocity wave form pattern and the identification of the group of venous plexus affected as well as the type of varicocele were all possible using Doppler ultrasonography. Post operative Doppler examination revealed the presence of persistant venous reflux in 4 cases [10%] with no palpable varicocele. Doppler ultrasonography has thus proved accurate in detecting subclinical varicoceles and in assessing the adequacy of varicocele management