Gonadal venography for preoperative localization of nonpalpable testes in adults

Gonadal venography was attempted in an effort to locate preoperatively ten nonpalpable testes in adults. In five attempts, neither selective catheterization nor complete visualization of the gonadal vein could be accomplished and no definitive information was obtained regarding the presence or location of a gonad. However, in 4 cases we were able either to visualize the position of the nonpalpable testis or predict correctly the absence of testicular tissue by the appearance of an abrupt termination or absence of the gonadal vein. One false negative study was obtained.