Eva Maria Pallwein-Prettner MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Leo Pallwein MD, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Friedrich Hermann Aigner MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Germar Pinggera MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Kurt Gautsch MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Ferdinand Frauscher MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

The objectives of this study were to evaluate the testicular blood flow in patients after vasectomy by use of color Doppler ultrasound resistive index measurement.

The study included fifty healthy men, where a vasektomie was performed. Patients were assessed before and 1, 3 and 6 months after surgery. Both testes were examined using color Doppler ultrasound with a linear array 15 MHz transducer (Acuson, Sequoia). The Resistive Index (RI) of the testicular artery were measured at two locations: the convoluted aspect (spermatic cord) and the marginal aspect of the artery (on the epididymal edge of testis). Additionally the volume of the testicles was determined.

All measures were obtainable. The mean volume of the testes was 17.5± 5.7 mL before and 19.7± 7.1 mL after vasectomy. RI ranged from 0.45 to 0.67 . Measures for left and right testes were similar (P > 0.10). The majority of the measures showed higher RI values at the cord location than at the marginal aspect of the artery (P < 0.05). The overall increase of RI was significantly (P < 0.05) and ranged from 0.51± 0.09 (before vasectomy) to 0.59± 0.08 (3 and 6 months after vasectomy). The RI returned to basic values at the 6 month control (mean RI: 0.52± 0.07) after treament.

The RI is a reliable indicator for routine clinical use to evaluate the testicular blood flow. The significant increase after vasectomy may indicate a slightly decreased perfusion of the testicles due to swelling based on a transitory disturbance of lymph drainage. Further investigation will show the utility of RI measurements in estimation of testicular function.

After vasectomy, scrotal pain and swelling may indicate edema of the testis due to a transitory disturbance of lymph drainage.

Pallwein-Prettner, E, Pallwein, L, Aigner, F, Pinggera, G, Gautsch, K, Frauscher, F, Effect of Vasectomy on Testicular Blood Flow Evaluated by Color Doppler Ultrasound Resistive Index Measurement.  Radiological Society of North America 2006 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, November 26 - December 1, 2006 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2006/4437598.html