Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 29, 2025

Combined Supine and Standing Imaging for Varicocele: An Improved Diagnostic Approach
Published on: November 22, 2024
Doppler Ultrasonography - An Important Tool in Managing Patients With Varicocele and Secondary Infertility
Victor Cauni1, Irina Ciofu2, Claudia Stoica3,4
1Department of Urology, "Colentina" Clinical Hospital, Bucharest, Romania.
Background/Aim:
Doppler ultrasound was successfully implemented as part of the diagnostic plan of medical emergencies in scrotal pathology. This study aimed to investigate whether it could play an important role in managing not only varicocele, but patients with secondary infertility as well.
Patients And Methods:
The current study included 135 patients with varicocele and infertility. Surgery was performed in 18 cases with painful varicocele, 15 cases with testicular hypotrophy, and 48 cases with infertility.
Results:
Among cases with infertility who underwent surgery, aged between 19 and 36 years old, 80% showed a significant improvement in the spermogram after curing the varicocele. In patients over 36 years of age, only 42% had some improvement in the spermogram after surgery. In addition, after surgery, antispermatic antibodies showed a significant decrease in all patients.
Conclusion:
Varicocele and secondary infertility are a well-known pathology. While the role of Doppler ultrasonography is established in varicocele diagnosis, we found an important pool of patients with secondary infertility and asymptomatic varicocele that would not have been diagnosed in the absence of Doppler ultrasound investigations. Since the best results in fertility were observed in patients younger than 36 years of age, we reiterate the importance of Doppler ultrasonography in addressing infertility.
Related Concept Videos
Varicose Veins II: Diagnostic Studies and Interprofessional Care
Infertility in Males
Imaging Studies II: Ultrasonography
Ultrasonography
During an ultrasonography procedure, a handheld device called...
Venous Thrombosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
Infertility in Females
Endometriosis, a condition characterized by abnormal growth of...

