The Doppler stethoscope in the diagnosis of subclinical varicocele

Fifty-six patients (112 testicular cords) were examined using the Doppler stethoscope. Venous reflux was detected in all patients with a clinically obvious varicocele and in 77% of patients where a varicocele was suspected but not clinically demonstrated. The incidence of bilateral varicoceles was 21%. The Doppler stethoscope showed that 20% of patients continued to have venous reflux post-operatively. It is concluded that the Doppler stethoscope is a useful instrument in the diagnosis of clinical varicoceles and in the assessment of post-operative results.