Can we improve time to patency with vasoepididymostomy with an innovative epididymal occlusion stitch?

INTRODUCTION: Obstructive azoospermia occurs when there is a blockage in the male reproductive tract, leading to a complete absence of sperm in the ejaculate. It constitutes around 40% of all cases of azoospermia (1, 2). Blockages in the male reproductive tract can arise from either congenital or acquired factors, affecting various segments such as the epididymis, vas deferens, and ejaculatory ducts (3). Examples of congenital causes encompass conditions like congenital bilateral absence of the vas deferens and unexplained epididymal blockages (4). Acquired instances of obstructive azoospermia may result from factors like vasectomy, infections, trauma, or unintentional injuries caused by medical procedures (5). This complex condition affecting male fertility, presents two main treatment options: microsurgical reconstruction and surgical extraction of sperm followed by in vitro fertilization (IVF). Microsurgical reconstruction proves to be the most cost-effective option for treating obstructive azoospermia when compared with assisted reproductive techniques (6, 7). However, success rates of reconstruction defined by patency are as high as 99% for vasovasostomy (VV) but decline to around 65% if vasoepididymostomy (VE) is required (8, 9). Thus, continued refinement in technique is necessary in order to attempt to improve patency for patients undergoing VE. In this video, we show a comprehensive demonstration of microsurgical VE, highlighting the innovative epididymal occlusion stitch. The goal of this innovative surgical technique is to improve outcomes for VE. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The patient is a 39-year-old male diagnosed with obstructive azoospermia who presents for surgical reconstruction via VE. His partner is a 37-years-old female with regular menstrual cycles. The comprehensive clinical data encompasses a range of factors, including FSH levels, results from semen analysis, and outcomes from testicular sperm aspiration. This thorough exploration aims to provide a thorough understanding of our innovative surgical technique and its application in addressing complex cases of obstructive azoospermia. RESULTS: The procedure was started on the right, the vas deferens was identified and transected. The abdominal side of the vas was intubated and a vasogram performed, there was no obstruction. There was no fluid visible from the testicular side of the vas for analysis, thus we proceeded with VE. Upon inspection of the epididymis dilated tubules were identified. After selecting a tubule for VE, two 10-0 nylon sutures were placed, and it was incised. Upon inspection of the fluid motile sperm was identified. After VE, we performed a novel epididymal occlusion stitch technique. This was completed distal to the anastomosis by placing a 7-0 prolene through the tunica of the epididymis from the medial to lateral side. This stitch was then tightened down with the goal to largely occlude the epididymis so that sperm will preferentially travel through the anastomosis. The steps were then repeated on the left. At 3-month follow up, the patient had no change in testicular size as compared with preoperative size (18cc), he had no testicular or incisional discomfort, and on semen analysis he had presence of motile sperm. After 3 months post-surgery, the patient had motile sperm seen on semen analysis. DISCUSSION: The introduction of a novel epididymal occlusion stitch demonstrates a targeted strategy to enhance the success of microscopic VE. Encouragingly, a 3-month post-surgery follow-up reveals the presence of motile sperm, reinforcing the potential efficacy of our approach. This is promising given the historical lower patency, delayed time to patency, and higher delayed failure rates that patients who require VE experience (10). In total, 40% of all azoospermia cases can be attributed to obstruction. The conventional treatments for obstructive azoospermia involve microsurgical reconstruction and surgical sperm retrieval followed by IVF. While microsurgical reconstruction has proven to be economically viable, the quest for enhanced success rates has led to the exploration of innovative techniques. Historically, the evolution of VV and VE procedures, initially performed in the early 20th century, laid the foundation for contemporary microsurgical approaches (11). Notably, the microscopic VV demonstrated significant improvements in patency rates and natural pregnancy likelihood, as evidenced by the seminal Vasovastomy Study Group study in 1991 (8). In contemporary literature, success rates particularly for VE remain unchanged for the past three decades since the original published success rates by the Vasectomy Reversal Study Group (12). VE is associated with a longer time to patency as well with patients taking 2.8 to 6.6 months to have sperm return to ejaculate as compared to 1.7 to 4.3 months for those undergoing VV. Additionally, of those patients who successfully have sperm return to the ejaculate after VE up to 50% will have delayed failure compared to 12% for those undergoing VV who are patent. Finally, of those who experience delayed failure after undergoing VE it usually occurs earlier with studies reporting as early as 6 months post-operatively (10). Given the lack of improvement and significantly worsened outcomes with VE further surgical refinement is a constant goal for surgeons performing this procedure. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, this video is both a demonstration and a call to action for commitment to surgical innovation. We aim to raise the bar in VE success rates, ultimately bringing tangible benefits to patients and contributing to the ongoing evolution of reproductive medicine. The novel epididymal occlusion stitch emerges as a beacon of progress, promising not only enhanced safety but also potential reductions in patency time. Surgical excellence and methodological refinement, as exemplified in this video, lay the foundation for a future where male reproductive surgery continues to break new ground.

Vas deferens to rete testis anastomosis for obstructive azoospermia.

PURPOSE: This video aims to present an in-depth, step-by-step tutorial on microsurgical reconstruction for obstructive azoospermia, featuring a distinctive case involving anastomosis from vas deferens to rete testis. The primary aim of this endeavor is to offer thorough and practical insights for healthcare professionals and researchers within the realm of reproductive medicine. The video endeavors to disseminate expertise, methodologies, and perspectives that can be advantageous to individuals grappling with obstructive azoospermia, providing a significant contribution to the progress of reproductive medicine and the augmentation of existing treatment alternatives. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Surgical footage was recorded using the ORBEYE 4K 3D Orbital Camera System by Olympus America, with patient consent acquired for research purposes. Additionally, a retrospective examination of patient records was undertaken to compile relevant medical histories. RESULTS: This video furnishes an exhaustive guide to microsurgical reconstruction for obstructive azoospermia, encompassing a distinctive instance of anastomosis from vas deferens to rete testis. State-of-the-art technology, such as the ORBEYE 4K 3D Orbital Camera, heightens procedural transparency, accentuating the significance of advanced instrumentation. The ethical underpinning is emphasized by obtaining patient consent for footage utilization, and a retrospective chart review augments the repository of valuable patient data. This comprehensive approach serves as an invaluable reservoir of knowledge for medical professionals and underscores excellence in clinical and ethical healthcare research. CONCLUSIONS: Anastomosis from vas deferens to rete testis emerges as a viable surgical reconstruction alternative for obstructive azoospermia, particularly when confronted with non-dilated tubules within the epididymis.

[Application analysis of laparoscopic assisted microsurgical vasovasostomy in the treatment of vas deferens obstruction caused by inguinal herniorrhaphy].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effiicacy of laparoscopic assisted microsurgical vasovasostomy in the treatment of vas deferens obstruction caused by inguinal herniorrhaphy. METHODS: Clinical data of patients undergoing surgical treatment for deferential obstruction after inguinal hernia repair in the andrology department of the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from 2018 to 2022 were retrospectively analyzed, and they were divided into two groups according to different surgical methods: double mirror combined group and microscope group. The basic clinical data, intraoperative conditions, postoperative effects and complications of the two groups were compared. RESULTS: There were 14 cases in the double mirror group and 34 cases in the microscope group. There was no significant difference in age and history of groin operation between the two groups (P>0.05). The average length of hospital stay in the two-lens group was less than that in the microscope group (5.07±0.26 days vs 7.09±1.86 days, P< 0.01), and the average operation time in the two-lens group was more than that in the microscope group (211.93±58.55min vs 162.26±40.70min, P<0.01). The postoperative recurrence rate (85.7% vs 73.5%, P > 0.05) was similar between the two groups. There was no significant difference in early postoperative complications (0% vs 2.9%, P > 0.05). Only 1 patient in the microscope group experienced fat liquefaction and recovered after intensive dressing change. CONCLUSION: Laparoscope-assisted microscopy provides natural fertility opportunities for patients with vas deferens obstruction after inguinal hernia repair, reduces the difficulty of surgery and the length of hospital stay, and is a safe and effective surgical method comparable to traditional surgical methods.

High ligation of the hernia sac in open nonmesh inguinal herniorrhaphy is an important cause of iatrogenic vas deferens injury / 亚洲男科学杂志(英文版)

Vasectomy damage is a common complication of open nonmesh hernia repair. This study was a retrospective analysis of the characteristics and possible causes of vas deferens injuries in patients exhibiting unilateral or bilateral vasal obstruction caused by open nonmesh inguinal herniorrhaphy. The site of the obstructed vas deferens was intraoperatively confirmed. Data, surgical methods, and patient outcomes were examined. The Anderson-Darling test was applied to test for Gaussian distribution of data. Fisher's exact test or Mann-Whitney U test and unpaired t-test were used for statistical analyses. The mean age at operation was 7.23 (standard deviation [s.d.]: 2.09) years and the mean obstructive interval was 17.72 (s.d.: 2.73) years. Crossed (n = 1) and inguinal ( n = 42) vasovasostomies were performed. The overall patency rate was 85.3% (29/34). Among the 43 enrolled patients (mean age: 24.95 [s.d.: 2.20] years), 73 sides of their inguinal regions were explored. The disconnected end of the vas deferens was found in the internal ring on 54 sides (74.0%), was found in the inguinal canal on 16 sides (21.9%), and was found in the pelvic cavity on 3 sides (4.1%). Location of the vas deferens injury did not significantly differ according to age at the time of hernia surgery ( ≥ 12 years or <12 years) or obstructive interval (≥15 years or <15 years). These results underscore that high ligation of the hernial sac warrants extra caution by surgeons during open nonmesh inguinal herniorrhaphy.

The effect of BMI and age on the outcomes of microsurgical vasoepididymostomy: a retrospective analysis of 181 patients operated by a single surgeon / 亚洲男科学杂志(英文版)

To design a treatment plan for patients with epididymal obstruction, we explored the potential impact of factors such as body mass index (BMI) and age on the surgical outcomes of vasoepididymostomy (VE). In this retrospective study, 181 patients diagnosed with obstructive azoospermia (OA) due to epididymal obstruction between September 2014 and September 2017 were reviewed. All patients underwent single-armed microsurgical intussusception VEs with longitudinal two-suture placement performed by a single surgeon (KH) in a single hospital (Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China). Six factors that could possibly influence the patency rates were analyzed, including BMI, age, mode of anastomosis, site of anastomosis, and sperm motility and quantity in the intraoperative epididymal fluid. Single-factor outcome analysis was performed via Chi-square test and multivariable analysis was performed using logistic regression. A total of 159 (87.8%, 159/181) patients were followed up. The follow-up time (mean ± standard deviation [s.d.]) was 27.7 ± 9.3 months, ranging from 12 months to 48 months. The overall patency rate was 73.0% (116/159). The multivariable analysis revealed that BMI and age significantly influenced the patency rate (P = 0.008 and 0.028, respectively). Younger age (≤28 years; odds ratio [OR] = 3.531, 95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 1.397-8.924) and lower BMI score (<26.0 kg m-2; OR = 2.352, 95% CI: 1.095-5.054) appeared to be associated with a higher patency rate. BMI and age were independent factors affecting the outcomes of microsurgical VEs depending on surgical expertise and the use of advanced technology.

Vasectomy reversal in China during the recent decade: insights from a multicenter retrospective investigation / 亚洲男科学杂志(英文版)

To date, there is little information about the demography of vasectomy reversal (VR) patients or the factors currently influencing VR effectiveness in China, especially after the universal two-child policy was released in 2015. In this research, demographic data and perioperative medical records of VR patients were extracted from seven major hospitals in different provinces or municipalities of China. Meanwhile, a telephone survey of the patients was conducted to collect follow-up information. Eventually, 448 VR cases from the past 13 years were included. The results were analyzed by stratified comparison to investigate factors that can influence postoperative vas deferens patency and pregnancy rate. Appropriately statistical methods were used, and all of the protocols were approved by the Ethics Committees of the institutes in this research. The results showed that the annual operation volume of VR quadrupled after the two-child policy was implemented. Nonmicrosurgery and a long duration of vasectomy were significantly associated with a lower patency rate. A follow-up survey showed that the general postoperative pregnancy rate was 27.2%. For female partners over the age of 35 years, the postoperative pregnancy rate showed a more severe decline, but only 35.5% of them had been given a fertility examination before their husbands' VR surgery. Our work revealed that more patients in China have been demanding VR in recent years. High-quality microsurgery and a short duration of vasectomy are crucial for restoring patency by VR. Clinical andrologists should perform a preoperative fertility evaluation of the patients' female partners.

Vasectomy re-reversal: effectiveness and parameters associated with its success

ABSTRACT Introduction: When the vasectomy reversal (VR) fails, and the patient desires natural conception with his sperm, vasectomy re-reversal (VRR) is the only alternative. Purpose: To determine the VRR effectiveness and whether specific parameters can be associated with its success. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively evaluated 18 consecutive vasectomized patients, who had failed their VR through bilateral vasovasostomy, and posteriorly were submitted to VRR. The parameters of the study were: age of the patients, elapsed time between vasectomy and VRR (V-VRRt), elapsed time between VR and VRR (VR-VRRt), presence of spermatozoa in the proximal vas deferens fluid (SptzVDF) in the VRR and results of semen analysis after VRR (SA-VRR). Results: The mean of the age of the patients was 44.11±6.55 years (32.0-57.0), the mean of V-VRRt was 11.76±6.46 years (1.5-25.0) and the mean of VR-VRRt was 2.13±2.27 years (0.5-10.0). SptzVDF in the VRR were found bilaterally in 8 patients, unilaterally in 4 and absent in 6. SA-VRR demonstrated normozoospermia in 9 patients, oligozoospermia in 3 and azoospermia in 6, with patency rate of 66.67%. SA-VRR showed statistically significant dependence only with SptzVDF in the VRR (p <0.01). Conclusions: VRR was effective in restoring the obstruction in more than half of the patients. Furthermore, the presence of spermatozoa in the vas deferens fluid was the parameter associated with the VRR success.

Nuevos marcadores de inmunohistoquímica para confirmar la presencia de conducto deferente en muestras de vasectomía / New immunohistochemistry markers to determine presence of vas deferens in vasectomy specimen

OBJETIVOS: El estudio anatomopatológico de las muestras de vasectomía para confirmar la presencia de conducto deferente generalmente es sencillo se realiza con tinción rutinaria de hematoxilina-eosina. En aquellos casos con artefacto del epitelio, el uso de técnicas de inmunohistoquímica puede ayudar al diagnóstico y sirve, además para diferenciar deferente de vaso sanguíneo. Hemos investigado la utilidad de CD31, CD34, ERG y PAX8 para estos fines. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Se han estudiado 81 secciones de muestras de vasectomía en las que alguna sección presentaba algún tipo de artefacto en el epitelio. Se realizó inmunohistoquímica con anticuerpos monoclonales para CD31 (clon JC70), CD34 (clon QBEnd/10), ERG (clon EPR3864) y PAX8 (clon MRQ-50) evaluando la tinción en el epitelio deferencial y en el endotelio vascular. RESULTADOS: Histológicamente, el epitelio del conducto deferente aparecía conservado en 18 secciones (22,2%), denudado en 6 (7,4%), con artefacto de compresión o distorsión en 48 secciones (59,3%), desprendidoen 5 (6,2%) y desplazado fuera de la luz del conducto en 4 (4,9%). En la mayoría de las secciones el epitelio del CD presentó positividad citoplasmática para CD31, que fue débil (86,4%) o moderada (9,9%), y expresó intensamente PAX8 en los núcleos, con tinción granular en el epitelio denudado o artefactado. Fueron negativos CD34 y ERG. El endotelio capilar de los vasos de la pared del conducto deferente mostró intensa positividad citoplasmática para CD31 y CD34, y nuclear para ERG, siendo PAX8 negativo. CONCLUSIONES: PAX8 es un anticuerpo útil para confirmar la presencia de conducto deferente en muestras de vasectomía con artefacto. Son negativos CD34 yERG, que, por el contrario, marcan endotelio vascular, presentando ERG la ventaja de que la tinción es nuclear.CD31, marcador endotelial clásico, no es tan específico como se había propuesto puesto que presenta expresión débil en el epitelio del deferente

OBJECTIVES: The pathological examination of vasectomy specimens to confirm the presence of vas deferens is usually simple and is done by routine hematoxylin and eosin staining. Use of immunohistochemical techniques can aid to the diagnosis in those cases with artifacts of the epithelium, and they are also useful to differentiate vas deferens from blood vessel. We have investigated the usefulness of CD31, CD34, ERG and PAX8 for these purposes. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 81 sections from vasectomy specimens in which any section showed some kind of epithelial artifact were analyzed. Immunohistochemistry was performed with monoclonal antibodies for CD31 (clone JC70), CD34 (clone QBEnd/10), ERG (clone EPR3864) and PAX8 (clone MRQ-50). Evaluation of the vas deferens and vascular endothelial staining was done. RESULTS: Histologically, vas deferens epithelium was well-preserved in 18 sections (22.2%), denuded in 6 (7.4%), crushed or distorted in 48 sections (59.3%), detached in 5 (6,2%), and misplaced out of the vas deferens lumen in 4 (4.9%). In most of the sections the epithelium showed weak (86.4%) or moderate (9.9%) CD31 cytoplasmic staining, as well as strong nuclear PAX8 reactivity in all of the sections, exhibiting a granular pattern in the detached or artifacted epithelium. CD34 and ERG were negative in the epithelium. Capillary vessel endothelium in the vas deferens wall showed strong cytoplasmic positivity for CD31 and CD34, as well as nuclear ERG reactivity, being PAX8 negative. CONCLUSIONS: PAX8 is a useful antibody to confirm the presence of vas deferens in artifacted vasectomy specimens. CD34 and ERG are negative in the epithelium, and, otherwise, they are expressed by vascular endothelium, with the advantage of nuclear staining pattern for ERG. CD31, a classic endothelial marker, is not so specific as it had been stated as it shows weak or moderate expression in the vas deferens epithelium

Ectopic seminal tract opening in enlarged prostatic utricle: A report of 22 cases / 中华男科学杂志

Objective@#To explore the diagnosis, classification and treatment of ectopic seminal tract opening in enlarged prostatic utricle (EPU).@*METHODS@#We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data on 22 cases of ectopic seminal tract opening in EPU confirmed by spermography, EPU open cannula angiography or intraoperative puncture of the vas deferens and treated by transurethral incision of EPU, cold-knife incision or electric incision of EPU, full drainage of the anteriorwal, and open or laparoscopic surgery from October 1985 to October 2017.@*RESULTS@#Five of the patients were diagnosed with ectopic opening of the vas deferens and the other 17 with ectopic opening of the ejaculatory duct in EPU. During the 3－48 months of postoperative follow-up, symptoms disappeared in all the cases, semen quality was improved in those with infertility, and 2 of the infertile patients achieved pregnancy via ICSI.@*CONCLUSIONS@#Ectopic seminal tract opening in EPU is rare clinically. Spermography is a reliable method for the diagnosis of the disease, and its treatment should be aimed at restoring the smooth flow of semen based on proper classification and typing of the disease.

Does a bilateral polypropylene mesh alter the duct deferens morphology, testicular size and testosterone levels? Experimental study in rats

Abstract Purpose To evaluate the effect of a PP mesh on duct deferens morphology, testicular size and testosterone levels. Methods Forty adult male rats were distributed into groups: 1) no surgery; 2) inguinotomy; 3) mesh placed on the duct deferens; and 4) mesh placed on the spermatic funiculus. After 90 postoperative days, the inguinal region was resected, and blood samples were collected for the measurement of serum testosterone (pg/dl). The ducts deferens were sectioned in three axial sections according to the relationship with the mesh — cranial, medial and caudal. The wall thickness and duct deferens lumen area were measured. Results The morphology of the duct deferens was preserved in all groups. The mesh placement did not alter this morphology in any of the analyzed segments. Surgery, with or without mesh placement, did not alter the morphology, wall thickness or lumen area (p>0.05). In all operated groups, serum testosterone levels were similar (p>0.05) but there was a decrease in testicle size (p<0.05). Conclusion Surgery, with or without mesh placement, did not alter the morphology of the duct deferens and, although this treatment resulted in testicular size reduction, it did not affect serum testosterone levels.

Portable model for vasectomy reversal training

ABSTRACT Objectives To validate an experimental non-animal model for training of vasectomy reversal. Materials and Methods The model consisted of two artificial vas deferens, made with silicon tubes, covered by a white resin, measuring 10 cm (length) and internal and external diameters of 0.5 and 1.5 mm, respectively. The holder of the ducts is made by a small box developed with polylactic acid, using a 3D print. The objective of the invention is to simulate the surgical field of vasovasostomy, when the vas deferens are isolated from other cord structures. For validation, it was verified the acquisition of microsurgical skills during its use, in a capacitation course with 5 urology residents from a Hospital of the region. Along the training sessions, it was analyzed the time (speed) of microsurgical sutures, and quantification of the performance using a checklist. Collected data were analyzed using de BioEstat®5.4 software. Results Medium time for the completion of microsurgical sutures improved considerably during the course, and reached a plateau after the third day of training (p=0.0365). In relation to the checklist, it was verified that during capacitation, there was significant improvement of the scores of each participant, that reached a plateau after the fourth day of training with the model (p=0.0035). Conclusion The developed model was able to allow the students that attended the course to gain skills in microsurgery, being considered appropriate for training vasectomy reversal.

Crossover transseptal vasovasostomy: alternative for very selected cases of iatrogenic injury to vas deferens

ABSTRACT Inguinal herniorraphy is a possible cause of iatrogenic seminal tract obstruction. Diagnosing and correcting these vasal injuries can be challenging. Successful re-anastomosis is technically challenging, with relatively low success rates. An uncommon alternative for selected cases is the crossover transseptal vasovasostomy. We herein report a case of a 36-year-old male patient with vas deferens injury after herniorraphy and a contralateral hypotrophic testis. He was successfully treated through microsurgical crossover transseptal vasovasostomy, with spontaneous pregnancy achieved, and the technique is presented in details.

A novel experience of deferential vessel-sparing microsurgical vasoepididymostomy / 亚洲男科学杂志(英文版)

Microsurgical longitudinal intussusception vasoepididymostomy (LIVE) has been widely used to treat epididymal obstructive azoospermia since 2004. Although the deferential vasculature plays an important role in supplying blood to the testis and epididymis, little attention has been paid to the potential benefits of sparing the deferential vessels during the anastomosis in LIVE. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of deferential vessel-sparing LIVE in humans. From December 2013 to December 2015, 69 azoospermic men with epididymal obstruction due to a genital infection, trauma, or idiopathic factors underwent deferential vessel-sparing LIVE in the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China. The outcomes of these patients were analyzed retrospectively. The mean age was 31.1 years for men and 28.3 years for their partners. Fifty-nine (85.5%, 59/69) men were followed up after surgery for approximately 16 months. Patency was noted and confirmed by semen analysis (>10 000 sperm/ml) in 83.1% (49/59) of men. The natural pregnancy rate was 40.7% (24/59) by the end of the study, with 87.5% (21/24) of these natural pregnancies achieved within 12 months after surgery. No severe adverse events or complications were observed. In this study, we present a novel technique for sparing the deferential vessels during LIVE. The preliminary outcomes show this technique to be safe with favorable patency and pregnancy rates.

Effect of ductus deferens lavage on the time to achieve azoospermia in patients undergoing vasectomy

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of normal saline lavage of the distal vas deferens ampulla in patients undergoing vasectomy on the time to achieve azoospermia. METHODS: A prospective randomized study of 60 men divided into two groups, group lavage (GL, n=30) in which distal vas deferens ampulla lavage was performed with 10 ml of normal saline during the vasectomy, and group without lavage (GWL, n=30) in which control patients received only a vasectomy. The patients provided sperm for semen analysis at the 5th, 10th, 15th, 20th and 25th ejaculations. RESULTS: Fifteen participants in GL and 16 in GWL, for a total of 31 patients, were excluded due to not completing the control spermiogram. The tests carried out at the five ejaculations showed immobile spermatozoa in 40 and 85.71%, 66.67 and 78.57%, 93.33 and 85.71%, 86.67 and 71.43%, and 93.33 and 85.71% of participants in GL and GWL, respectively. CONCLUSION: Vas deferens duct lavage with 10 ml of normal saline during vasectomy did not decrease the time required to achieve postoperative azoospermia.

Conducto deferente recanalizado / Recanalized vas deferens

No disponible

An inexpensive yet realistic model for teaching vasectomy

Purpose Teaching the no-scalpel vasectomy is important, since vasectomy is a safe, simple, and cost-effective method of contraception. This minimally invasive vasectomy technique involves delivering the vas through the skin with specialized tools. This technique is associated with fewer complications than the traditional incisional vasectomy (1). One of the most challenging steps is the delivery of the vas through a small puncture in the scrotal skin, and there is a need for a realistic and inexpensive scrotal model for beginning learners to practice this step. Materials and Methods After careful observation using several scrotal models while teaching residents and senior trainees, we developed a simplified scrotal model that uses only three components–bicycle inner tube, latex tubing, and a Penrose drain. Results This model is remarkably realistic and allows learners to practice a challenging step in the no-scalpel vasectomy. The low cost and simple construction of the model allows wide dissemination of training in this important technique. Conclusions We propose a simple, inexpensive model that will enable learners to master the hand movements involved in delivering the vas through the skin while mitigating the risks of learning on patients. .

Sperm analysis of the vas deferens fluid after a long interval of unilateral percutaneous epididymal sperm aspiration in vasectomized patients

Objectives Evaluation of the presence of spermatozoa in vas deferens fluid after a long interval of unilateral and homolateral percutaneous epididymal sperm aspiration (PESA) in vasectomized men. When found, the spermatozoa were evaluated including concentration and motility, in order to verify the patency of the epididymal tubules. Materials and Methods Four patients, numbered in a progressive order, from one to four, with 38, 40, 48 and 51 years old and vasectomy interval of 10, 10, 25 and 11 years, respectively, whose wives did not get pregnant using intracytoplasmic sperm injection of sperm obtained by unilateral PESA and decided to try only natural conception, were submitted to intrasurgical sperm analysis of the vas deferens fluid (ISAVDF) during microsurgery for reconstruction of the seminal tract. Results Time interval between PESA and ISAVDF was 13.75 ± 11.12 months (x ± s) varying from 3 to 29 months. Homolateral ISAVDF and PESA showed the presence of spermatozoa. Patients 1, 2 and 4 had a high concentration of 10 x 106, 64 x 106 and 45 x 106 spermatozoa/ mL; the first two had motile sperms and patient 3 had no sperms. Conclusions Three of four patients showed spermatozoa in the vas deferens fluid after a long interval of unilateral and homolateral PESA with high concentration, including motile forms. These findings support the concept that PESA may not result in late epipidymal tubule obstruction in vasectomized patients. .

Obstructive azoospermia: reconstructive techniques and results

Obstructive azoospermia is a common cause of male infertility and can result from infection, congenital anomalies, or iatrogenic injury. Microsurgical vasal reconstruction is a suitable treatment for many cases of obstructive azoospermia, although some couples will require sperm retrieval paired with in-vitro fertilization. The various causes of obstructive azoospermia and recommended treatments will be examined. Microsurgical vasovasostomy and vasoepididymostomy will be discussed in detail. The postoperative patency and pregnancy rates for surgical reconstruction of obstructive azoospermia and the impact of etiology, obstructive interval, sperm granuloma, age, and previous reconstruction on patency and pregnancy will be reviewed.

Findings concerning testis, vas deference, and epididymis in adult cases with nonpalpable testes

In this study, we aimed to state the relationship between testis, epididymis and vas deference, in adult cases with nonpalpable testis. Between January 1996 and December 2009, we evaluated 154 adult cases with nonpalpable testes. Mean age was 23 years (20-27 years). Explorations were performed by open inguinal incision, laparoscopy, and by inguinal incision and laparoscopy together on 22, 131 and 1 patient, respectively. Of all the unilateral cases, 32 were accepted as vanishing testis. In five of these cases, vas deference was ending inside the abdomen, and in the others, it was ending inside the scrotum. In the remaining 99 unilateral and 22 bilateral cases, 143 testes were found in total. Testes were found in the inguinal canal as atrophic in one case, at the right renal pedicle level with dysmorphic testis in one case, and anterior to the internal ring between the bladder and the common iliac vessels at a smaller than normal size in 119 cases. One (0.69 percent) case did not have epididymis. While epididymis was attached to the testis only at the head and tail locations in 88 (61.53 percent) cases, it was totally attached to the testis in 54 (37.76 percent) cases. There is an obviously high incidence rate of testis and vas deference anomalies, where epididymis is the most frequent one. In cases with abdominal testes, this rate is highest for high localised abdominal testes.