Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 19, 2026

Grade III Varicocele Surgical Treatment using Spermatic Vein-Superficial Abdominal Vein Shunt
Published on: August 23, 2024
Venography of the left internal spermatic vein in patients with fertility problems
Abstract:
A varicocele testis is frequently observed in males with fertility problems. The varicocele is caused by retrograde blood flow in the internal spermatic vein, as a rule on the left. This retrograde flow is also considered to be the main contributing factor causing infertility. Retrograde flow in the left internal spermatic vein may exist even if no varicocele is palpable during physical examination. Venography of the internal spermatic vein is helpful in detecting this retrograde flow and may also demonstrate a varicocele. Varicoceles occur predominantly on the left side (90%). The investigation is as a rule confined to visualization of the left internal spermatic vein. This examination can easily be performed on an outpatient basis. Various anatomical variants of the venous system may hamper selective catheterization of the left internal spermatic vein. For a better understanding of these anatomical variants, embryonal development of this venous system is discussed.
Related Concept Videos
Veins of the Abdomen and Pelvis
The inferior vena cava is fed by numerous smaller veins. The lumbar veins, for instance, drain the posterior abdominal wall, emptying both directly into the inferior vena cava and into the...
Infertility in Males
Varicose Veins II: Diagnostic Studies and Interprofessional Care
Venous Thrombosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
Imaging Studies V: Intravenous Urography and Retrograde Pyelography
Imaging Studies VII: Vascular Imaging

