[Bilateral and subclinical varicocele: clinical experience]

The authors report their experience in clinical and instrumental diagnosis of primary varicocele, with regard to bilateral and subclinical forms. 54 patients affected by varicocele were evaluated comparing the results of clinical examination with those coming from scrotal ultrasonography and Doppler flowmetry of spermatic cords. Bilateral varicocele was found in 26 cases (48.2%); subclinical varicocele, monolateral or bilateral, was evidenced in 25 cases (46.3%). On the basis of this study clinical examination seems not to be ideal for the diagnosis of varicocele, particularly in view of a surgical or percutaneous treatment aimed at complete resolution of venous spermatic reflux.