[Phlebography in children with varicocele (author's transl)].

The condition of varicocele is rare in childhood. Usually it is not observed before puberty, and can cause infertility if not operated upon in time. With the usual examination of the children in supine position the varicocele can be overlooked. The primary idiopathic type with insufficiency of the spermatic vein is distinguished from the rare secondary symptomatic form, mainly caused by renal tumours. A renal mass should be excluded by an intravenous urography in every case. The percutaneous selective phlebography of the spermatic vein--results in two boys with primary idiopathic varicocele are described--is indicated, if clinical symptoms are still existing despite high ligature of the vein. Further open branches of the spermatic vein and collateral circulation can be shown by this method, the way and type of the second operation better planned, and the patients saved from the threatening infertility.