Medical Image Forming Techniques
Information regarding procedures under local or general anaesthetic. |
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Finding the real cause of infertility is rather like doing a jigsaw puzzle. The doctors have to fit all the pieces together by bringing all the results from sperm analysis, physical examination and hormonal profiling together for analysis. However, the answer is still not always obvious. Medical image forming techniques can sometimes help to solve the puzzle.
Flebography [ outpatient, radiology department]
This investigation is useful in the diagnosis of varicose vein formation in the testicles. Under local anaesthetic, a fine tube is inserted through a vein in the groin. A substance is injected which makes blood vessels visible under x-ray conditions.
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Ultrasound image of testicle and epididymis. |
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Ultrasound image of the prostate |
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Vasography of seminal vesicles and vas deferens. |
Scrotal echography
[outpatient | urology department]
This examination is sometimes performed on men whose testicles do not descend at the usual time. Using a special ultrasound probe, an image is produced of the testicle, through which possible calcification or other abnormalities can be identified.
It can also be done using a duplex doppler in order to diagnose varicose veins in the testicles.
Transrectal ultrasound
[outpatient | urology department]
This examination is sometimes performed in cases of azospermia (the absence of sperm cells in the ejaculate). This can be due to a blockage somewhere in or around the prostate. This will be the case if the hormonal profiles are normal (i.e. no hormonal reason for the azospermia), whereas the
biochemical semen analysis indicates however that certain nourishing substances which are normally added to the sperm in the prostate and seminal vesicles are missing.
To perform the scan, a fine probe is inserted into the rectum, with which an ultrasound image of the prostate is generated. It is then possible to determine whether the prostate shows any degree of calcification, or if there are any obvious blockages.
Transrectal ultrasound is an outpatients procedure and does not require anaesthetic, because it is only mildly uncomfortable to undergo. Your doctor will refer you to the urology department should it be necessary for you to have this investigation.
Vasography
[outpatient | radiology department]
During this procedure, the whole length of the vas deferens (the tubes through which sperm travels) is visualized. They run through the abdominal cavity and pass through the groin on the way to the seminal vesicles and prostate. It is possible during an abdominal operation, for the vas deferens to be accidentally damaged. This procedure enables this to be determined. A tiny incision is made in the scrotum and vas deferens, into which a radio opaque contrast is injected. The progress of this contrast along the vas is then monitored on the screen. Any interruptions to the tube are clearly visible.
The procedure takes place as part of a scrotal exploration operation and therefore under general anaesthetic.