Infrared functional imaging assistance to diagnosis and treatment of varicocele

Infrared functional imaging has been used to detect asymptomatic varicoceles and to evaluate the effects of the surgical repair of the disease on the scrotum thermoregulation. Infrared functional imaging has provided clear indications on the presence of the disease. It has documented the modifications of the global thermoregulatory capabilities of the scrotum after surgical treatment and provided early indications on the possible relapsing of the disease. Such information may result very useful considering that the main consequence of varicocele-induced increased scrotal temperature is the alteration of the normal spermiogenesis. This aspect is particularly interesting with respect to the social impact of the disease.