When varicose veins of the testicles (varicocele) ultrasound helps to make an accurate diagnosis. During the study, done Doppler. For diagnosis studied blood flow in the scrotum, examines the state of the veins and the presence of pathology. Examine the patient in the supine position and standing.
When necessary to carry out ultrasound
The disease occurs when the pressure in the spermatic vein, poor vascular tone, seed shell thinning fascia. It is not considered dangerous for the health. However, due to the pathology is reduced sperm production and deteriorates its quality. In some cases this leads to infertility.
Examination and ultrasound specialist in varicocele needed for symptoms. About the pathology evidence:
- forming a circular seal in one of the testicles;
- swelling;
- enlarged or twisted vein;
- a dull ache in the testicle;
- discomfort and heaviness in the scrotum.
At the initial stage of disease symptoms occurs. They appear when the pathology begins to progress. Discomfort occur after heavy physical exertion, when a man long standing or sitting. Pain can occur during sexual arousal.
Ultrasound examination is also carried out in the identification of varicose veins and changes in testes size. It is performed using the Doppler sensor. The study helps to explore the direction and speed of blood circulation scrotum structure, exclude the presence of a tumor. The survey is conducted not only with the symptoms, but also to problems with fertility. It is appointed in the following cases:
- problems with conception;
- poor semen.
Send for examination may urologist or physician phlebologist. Diagnosis is made after an inspection, palpation, and instrumental studies.
How to prepare
Ultrasound diagnosis of varicocele require no special training. Before the procedure, it is not necessary to revise the diet, limit food intake and fill the bladder.
When using drugs recommended to consult with a physician. Sometimes, before the procedure is necessary to interrupt treatment.
Implementation and results
The test takes 15 to 30 minutes. During his patient is well worth it. test (test) of Valsalva can be done for a correct diagnosis. The patient is asked to exhale strongly, holding his nose and mouth. Due to this increased pressure in the abdominal cavity.
During ultrasonic diagnosis of testicular varicocele determined size, blood flow rate, study status uviform venous plexus.
Symptoms of the disease:
- vasodilation uviform plexus than 2 mm;
- spermatic vein diameter greater than 3 mm;
- tubular structures near eggs having nodosum, or squirming elongated shape.
Ultrasound for Sarteschi
The results are interpreted in different ways. One of the most popular ways to determine the severity of the disease - on Sarteschi classification. In accordance with this step are the following pathologies:
- In the first phase, varices outwardly manifested. prolonged blood flow (reflux) observed during Valsalva test in the inguinal vessels.
- Second degree - slight varices at the top of the eggs, the change in diameter when sample. Venous reflux during Valsalva test.
- Third stage - veins to the bottom of the testis in the standing position. Reflux at trial.
- The fourth degree - the enlarged vein to the bottom of the egg in a supine position, hypotrophy testicular sample at reflux.
- Fifth step - basal venous blood flow is not changed in the standing position or during the test, in the supine position dilated vein to the underside of the scrotum.
Reflux in the testicular vein
The disease is classified, and the place of occurrence of abnormal venous drainage. On this basis allocate varicocele renospermatichesky type of disease. At this pathology blood circulates through testicular vein of kidney. This type of hemodynamic disease is most common.
US postoperatively
Repeated ultrasound performed after recovery. To monitor the effectiveness of surgery and diagnosis of complications should be done regularly. Ultrasound helps detect relapse. In the first year after surgery a study carried out every 2-3 months.