Infrared thermometry for rapid, noninvasive detection of reflux of spermatic vein in varicocele.

Abstract

We evaluated infrared thermometry for measurement of reflux of blood via the internal spermatic vein. The change in scrotal temperature in patients with varicoceles and controls with different positions was measured with an infrared thermometer. Scrotal neck temperature in the patients increased during Valsalva's maneuver with upright position (mean plus or minus standard deviation 34.62 +/- 1.20 to 36.05 +/- 1.42C), while no statistically significant increase occurred in the controls (32.91 +/- 0.92 to 33.42 +/- 1.15C). Two weeks after high ligation of the internal spermatic vein the scrotal temperature in the patients decreased to the same level (0.59 +/- 0.84C) as in the controls. Using this method 2 subclinical varicoceles were also found on the right side in patients with a left varicocele. Infrared thermometry is noninvasive, rapid and simple for documenting varicoceles, including subclinical disease.