It is not surprising that so much investigation has been undertaken to establish the cause of childlessness, especially when the potentia coeundi of the male is not impaired. As long ago as 1957 the German Society for the Study of Fertility and Sterility was founded, embracing gynecology, andrology, and veterinary medicine. After its inception, meetings conducted in the spirit of its foundation were held every 2 years. This interdisciplinary, coordinated scientific work in the field of human reproduction achieved its value as a result of the stimuli provided by the permanent involvement of veterinary scientists. After about 20 years of activity, the Society adopted a highly differentiated pattern of work-directions in the field of human and veterinary medicine. Since 1976 annual meetings have been held on the topic of animal and human reproduction. These meetings have proved of great value, especially in the area of comparative medicine, and have led to excellent interdisciplinary associations. One of the most evident successes was the first extracorporal fertilization in humans with subsequent embryo transfer and full-term pregnancy. Gynecologists have found that in 40% of cases the cause of undesired childlessness rests with the male, and it is therefore no surprise that also in the field of andrology certain factors concerned with infertility have received great attention.

I. Epidemiology

Epidemiology of Idiopathic Varicocele
II. Basic Aspects
Pathogenesis of Varicocele
The Varicocele: Clinical Aspects
"Orchipathia e varicocele"
Histological, Morphometrical, and Enzyme Histochemical Studies on Varicocele Orchiopathy
Varicocele and Seminal Cytology
Cases Illustrating the Variation of Results
III. Diagnosis
A. Phlebography
Technique of Retrograde Phlebography of the Internal Spermatic Vein
Radiologic Anatomy of the Left Testicular Vein in Varicoceles
Phlebography of the Right Spermatic Vein in Varicoceles
Technique, Indications, and Results of Transfemoral Phlebography of the Testicular Vein in Persistent Varicocele
B. Other Methods
The Value of Physical Examination for the Diagnosis of Varicocele
Contact Thermography in the Diagnosis of Varicocele
The Doppler Technique for the Diagnosis of Varicocele
Diagnosis and Differential Diagnosis of Varicocele by Ultrasound
Comparison Between Different Methods for the Diagnosis of Varicocele
IV. Endocrinology and Immunology
Hormone Levels and Sperm Counts in Patients with Varicocele
Testosterone in Peripheral Plasma, Spermatic Veins, and Testicular Tissue of Patients with Varicocele
Varicocele Operation and Endocrine Parameters
Hormonal Testicular Function in Patients with Varicocele
Enhanced Chemotactic Activity of Microphages in Varicocele
V. Therapy
A. Surgical Treatment
Surgical Treatment of Varicocele
Recidivation of Varicocele, Prophylaxis, and Therapy
Persisting Varicocele: Cause and Treatment
B. Sclerotherapy
Results of Transfemoral Testicular Vein Obliteration Using a Balloon Catheter
Sclerotherapy: Technique and Results
C. Embolization
The Treatment of Idiopathic Varicocele by Transfemoral Spiral Occlusion of theLeft Testicular Vein
Treatment of Varicoceles by Embolization with Detachable Balloons
Nonsurgical Cure of Varicocele by Transcatheter Embolization of the Internal Spermatic Vein with Bucrylate
Modified Technique for Embolization of the Internal Spermatic Vein
D. Complications and Risks
Complications of Surgery for Varicocele
Complications and Risks of Percutaneous Sclerotherapy
VI. Results
Long-Term Results after Surgical Treatment of an Idiopathic Varicocele
Spermatologic Results Preceding and Following Varicocele Surgery
Treatment of Idiopathic Varicoceles by Transfemoral Testicular Vein Occlusion
Effects of Percutaneous Sclerosis of the Left Internal Spermatic Vein on Semen Quality
VII. Discussion
Phlebography of Persistent Varicocele in Boys.