[Radiological anatomy of the spermatic veins. Report of 152 retrograde spermatic phlebographies (author's transl)].

The authors analyse the results of 152 retrograde phlebographic explorations in the investigation of varicocoele: anatomical variations of the right and left spermatic veins (site of arrival, number of venous trunks, existence or not of valvules). They emphasise the importance of anastomoses with other venous systems, not only the inferior vena cava, but also the portal veins. These anastomoses which are essential, explain certain relapses of varicocoele after surgery, and explain the spontaneous portacaval anastomoses which form through the genital veins in certain cases of portal hypertension.