[Phlebography of the testicular veins for varicoceles and their recurrences (author's transl)].

The clinical significance of varicoceles depends on their frequency and on the fact that they may produce infertility. The available operative forms of treatment are unsuccessful in about 10% of patinents. In these cases it is desirable to elucidate the very variable drainage pattern by means of transfemoral phlebography with the patient erect. The method was employed in 13 patients and demonstrated continuity of the testicular vein, or of one of its tributaries, in twelve. If the testicular vein appears to be absent, one must consider the possibility of a venous short circuit or drainage of the pampiniform plexus into the external iliac vein. In four patients out of the 13, scrotal phlebography in addition for complete definition was necessary.