[Volumetry of the testis using real-time sonography].

99 testes of corpses (death had occurred between 26 and 86 years) were examined via real time sonography in a water-bath, measuring their length, breadth and height. They were then exposed surgically and their volume (by litres) determined according to Archimedes' principle. The volume determined via testes sonography was set in relationship to the "real" volume according to Archimedes. A correction factor was found (corresponding to an ellipsoid) of f (sono) = 0.65 +/- 0.1 (for the rotation ellipsoid this is pi/6 = 0.524). On multiplication with the optimised factor f (sono) = 0.65 the best possible calculated testes volume was obtained. A direct comparison of both measurement methods showed a random mean error of 7% for the principle of Archimedes, whereas with sonographic determination of the volume a mean error of 15% must be taken into account. Whereas the accuracy of measurement increases with increasing volumes, both methods should be used with caution if the volumes are below 4 ml, since the possibilities of error are rather great.