The use of the Doppler stethoscope in the evaluation of varicoceles

Twenty-eight clinically detectable varicoceles of various sizes were examined with a Doppler ultrasonic stethoscope. Retrograde blood flow through the left internal spermatic vein was confirmed in all cases irrespective of size of the vascular abnormality. The Doppler stethoscope also was used to evaluate 13 patients suspected of having varicoceles but with inconclusive physical examinations. Retrograde flow through the internal spermatic vein could likewise be auscultated in 5 of these patients. Finally, the Doppler stethoscope was used to determine the adequacy of internal spermatic vein ligation in 5 postoperative patients whose seminal dysfunction persisted despite what appeared to be a surgically effective correction of aberrant gonadal venous flow.