[Evaluation of the value of testicular phlebography]

The authors use testicular phlebography since 1979; they examined so far 72 patients (62 children and 10 adults). Phlebography was indicated in 54 patients with varicocele and in 18 children with an unpalpable testicle. The authors evaluate the method with regard to the surgical procedure in the treatment of varicocele. In unpalpable testicles phlebography proves in some cases useful in the differential diagnosis. The authors evaluate the importance of the examination. The new findings regarding anatomical and functional aspects are, no doubt, valuable. On the other hand, the authors draw attention to the complicated examination (in particular in children) to the invasive character of the examination and the irradiation load.