Selective spermatic arteriography for localization of an impalpable undescended testis

Thirty patients with undescended testes, including 15 children, were studied by selective spermatic angiography. Six patients had both arteriography and venography, and 24 had bilateral arteriography for assessment of testicular size. In 7 patients, arteriography revealed an impalpable testis following unsuccessful surgical exploration. In 17, subsequent surgery confirmed the angiographic findings; testicular agenesis was diagnosed in 7, and catheterization failed in 2. There were no complications. Preoperative testicular arteriography localizes the testis, facilitates surgery, and may aid in tumor detection. Angiographic identification of testicular agenesis precludes exploration. Arteriography is more accurate, simpler, and less complicated than venography.