Vesiculography

VESICULOGRAPHY, obtaining an X-ray image of the seminal vesicles. Since the seminal vesicles do not cast a shadow on ordinary radiography, it is necessary to fill their cavities with a contrast substance beforehand to obtain an image.

- & with a 5-10% solution of collargol, a 10-15% solution of sodium iodide, iodipin, etc. The contrast substance can be introduced either through the seminal ducts, into which a special cannula (see Figure 1) is inserted during posterior urethroscopy, connected to a Rekordovsky syringe, or through the vas deferens by means of vasopuncture (see). Finding the seminal ducts and filling them through the urethroscope is technically difficult and requires special instrumentation. V. through the vas deferens is technically simple. With the latter method, the radiograph shows not only the seminal vesicle but also the vas deferens (see Figure 2).

V. has found relatively wide application in America (Lowslay and Delzell, Young and others); in Europe (Luys, Francois) V. is used considerably less frequently. According to Young, V. is indicated: 1) in cases of suspected narrowing of the vas deferens or seminal duct to determine their patency in infertility, if orchidovasostomy is planned to be performed, 2) to determine the morphological changes of the seminal vesicle, ampulla, and vas deferens in spermatocystitis,

Figure 2. Bilateral vesiculography. Both seminal vesicles and vasa deferentia are filled with contrast substance (according to radiograph).

and 3) to determine the condition of the vesicles in cases of indefinite and difficult to explain pains in the region of the prostate, bladder, and seminal vesicles.

Ya. Gotli.