Infrared Thermometry for Rapid, Noninvasive Detection of Reflux of Spermatic Vein in Varicocele

Purpose: We evaluated infrared thermometry for measurement of reflux of blood via the internal spermatic vein.Materials and Methods: The change in scrotal temperature in patients with varicoceles and controls with different positions was measured with an infrared thermometer.Results: Scrotal neck temperature in the patients increased during Valsalva's maneuver with upright position (mean plus or minus standard deviation 34.62 plus/minus 1.20 to 36.05 plus/minus 1.42C), while no statistically significant increase occurred in the controls (32.91 plus/minus 0.92 to 33.42 plus/minus 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 plus/minus 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.Conclusions: Infrared thermometry is noninvasive, rapid and simple for documenting varicoceles, including subclinical disease.