Diagnostic accuracy of physical examination compared with color doppler ultrasound in the determination of testis size and varicocele diagnosis

Abstract

To evaluate the accuracy of physical examination on the diagnosis and grading of varicocele and on testicular volume measurement comparing to ultrasonographic assessment. Varicocele treatment should be offered to patient with palpable varicocele, provided it is associated with infertility. Also, varicocele should be repaired in patients with testicular growth impairment. Therefore, physical examination is the most important parameter to deselect men with subclinical varicocele or testicular size alteration to undergo treatment, as shown by the equivocal beneficial effect of such interventions in such cases.