Scrotal Ultrasound and Scrotal Color Doppler Ultrasound
Painless evaluation of the testicles and surrounding tissues for varicocele, torsion and inflammation.
What is scrotal color Doppler ultrasound?
Scrotal color Doppler ultrasound is a painless, radiation-free imaging method that examines the testicles and the surrounding sacs and evaluates the vascular structure and blood flow. This examination is mainly used in the diagnosis of conditions such as varicocele, testicular torsion and inflammation.
What is scrotal ultrasound?
The scrotum is the name given to the sac in men that contains the testicles. In a scrotal ultrasound examination, the scrotum, the testicles, the reproductive ducts that carry and store sperm (epididymis) and the vascular structures are evaluated.
Why is scrotal ultrasound requested?
The most common reason for requesting a scrotal ultrasound is pain and a palpable swelling. In the examination, the size and internal structure of the testicles and epididymides and the presence of infection, inflammation or a mass are investigated.
The amount of fluid inside the scrotal sac is evaluated. In addition, in the presence of varicocele — meaning enlargement of the vascular structures within the scrotum — the diameter of the vessels and the flow inside them are imaged with color Doppler ultrasound. In the color Doppler examination, the amount of blood supply in the testicles and epididymides is also evaluated.
During a scrotal ultrasound, both inguinal (groin) canals are also included in the examination. Along these canals it is checked whether there is a herniation from inside the abdomen toward the scrotum.
In addition, in children, in cases of undescended or retractile testis that arise from a problem in the descent of the testicles from inside the abdomen into the scrotal sac, scrotal ultrasound is also performed to locate the testicles and evaluate their internal structure.
Is any preparation required for scrotal ultrasound?
No prior preparation is required for scrotal ultrasound and color Doppler ultrasound examinations.
How long does scrotal ultrasound take?
Scrotal ultrasound and color Doppler examinations are painless procedures that take 15–30 minutes.
As high-frequency sound waves are used in the ultrasound evaluation and it contains no radiation, it has no harmful effect on the testicles. It does not cause infertility or cancer.