[Diagnostic and therapeutic control of varicoceles using angiodynography]

We report on the results of angiodynography of 21 patients with suspected varicoceles. In 14 cases a varicocele could be diagnosed. Additionally, 19 patients underwent conventional Doppler sonography (16 with positive findings), 7 thereof also a testicular phlebography (5 positive findings). Thus, in conventional Doppler sonography there were 2 false positive findings. With angiodynography it was possible to detect an existing varicocele in all 14 (of the 21) cases even if only a small retrograde flow existed. In 11 of the cases this could be graded with the help of the flow velocity. In case of negative findings in angiodynography, further invasive techniques are unnecessary. However, before embolisation of a varicocele and to show preoperatively vessel variations or collateral vessels, testicular phlebography is still indicated.