Objective To use the meta-analysis to evaluate the diagnostic value of ultrasound elastography in patients with varicocele (VC).Methods PubMed

Embase

web of science

Cochrane Library

CNKI

Wanfang and VIP data were searched to includeliteratures. Literature was screened in strict accordance with inclusion and exclusion criteria

data were extracted and quality evaluation was conducted according to NOS scale. Meta-analysis of data was conducted using RevMan5.3 software. Results 15 articles were finally included

including 980 patients with left VC and 524 healthy controls

of which 7 articles reported a total of 504 patients with left VC and 248 healthy controls after using SWE to examine the testicular shear wave velocity value (SWV)

meta-analysis summary results show: VC patients have reduced testicular hardness [MD=-0.02

95%CI(-0.03

-0.01)

P=0.0004]

the difference is statistically significant;3 literatures reported the testicular strain ratio (SR) of a total of 160 patients with left VC and 100 healthy controls after using SE examination

the meta-analysis results showed that the testicular stiffness of the VC patients was reduced [MD=-0.01

95%CI(-0.13

0.12)

P= 0.92]

the difference is not statistically significant; 5 literatures reported the average testicular strain value (Mean) of a total of 316 patients with left VC and 176 healthy controls after using SE examination

the meta-analysis summary results show: VC patients testicular stiffness decreased [MD=0.36

95%CI(0.12

0.61)

P=0.003]

the difference is statistically significant.Conclusion Ultrasound elastography may be an important adjunctive method in patients with varicocele.