Role of ultrasonography in the evaluation of the infertile male.
Ultrasonography is an important diagnostic tool in the evaluation of infertile male patients. Used in the appropriate patients, ultrasonography may be helpful in confirming the presence of a clinical varicocele and diagnosing ejaculatory duct obstruction. The accuracy of ultrasonography is operator-dependent and one must be aware of the limitations of this diagnostic modality. It is ideal for the treating urologist to perform his own ultrasonographic studies when possible, particularly TRUS. The interpretation of these studies may be influenced by clinical data not available or familiar to radiologists. However, one should remain cautious about the over interpretation of ultrasonographic studies and refrain from injudicious use of this safe and relatively inexpensive imaging modality. The results of these studies may lead to inappropriate surgical interventions that are expensive and involve significant risk.
Jarow
J P
JP
Bowman Gray School of Medicine, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC 27157.
D000465:Algorithms; D006801:Humans; D007248:Infertility, Male / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D007668:Kidney / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D008297:Male; D009845:Oligospermia / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D012611:Scrotum / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D014463:Ultrasonography; D014646:Varicocele / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging