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.

Vasovasostomy: A systematic review and meta-analysis comparing macroscopic, microsurgical, and robot-assisted microsurgical techniques.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Vasovasostomy is a cost-effective procedure for the reversal of vasectomy. A water-tight adequately blood-supplied mucosal anastomosis is required for better outcomes. This review aimed to compare the outcome of vasovasostomy performed by three different techniques: macroscopic, pure microsurgical, and robot-assisted microsurgical techniques. METHODS: Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane library databases were searched for relevant studies from January 1901 to June 2023. We conducted our quantitative syntheses using the inverse variance method in OpenMeta software. The study's protocol was registered on PROSPERO. RESULTS: This review involved 95 studies of different designs, with a total sample size of 48,132. The majority of operations were performed bilaterally, and participants were monitored for up to 10 years. The pooled patency rate was the highest following robot-assisted vasovasostomy (94.4%), followed by pure microsurgical vasovasostomy (87.5%), and macroscopic vasovasostomy (83.7%). The pooled pregnancy rate following purely microsurgical vasovasostomy was higher than that of macroscopic vasovasostomy (47.4 vs. 43.7%). Definitive pregnancy rates in robotic vasovasostomy are yet to be determined. CONCLUSION: Patency outcomes for vasovasostomy were best with robot-assisted microsurgical technique, followed by pure microsurgical technique, and conventional macroscopic technique. Further investigations of robot-assisted microsurgical vasovasostomy outcomes and randomized control trials are required to support this evidence.

[Surgery to improve male fertility]. / Chirurgies visant à améliorer la fertilité masculine.

BACKGROUND: At a time when increasing attention is being paid to the limitations and risks of in vitro fertilisation techniques, surgeries to improve male fertility are attracting growing interest. METHODS: Systematic review based on a Pubmed search of surgeries to improve male fertility. RESULTS: Vasovasostomy (VV) gives patency rates of 70-97% and pregnancy rates of 30-76%. Vasoepididymostomy (VE) gives patency rates of 80-84%, with pregnancy rates of 40-44%. The duration of obstruction and the age of the partner are 2 predictive parameters for the occurrence of a natural pregnancy. In cases of obstructive azoospermia due to pelvic obstruction (prostatic cyst, obstruction of the ejaculatory ducts), several surgical procedures may be proposed. Transurethral resection of the ejaculatory ducts leads to an improvement in sperm parameters in 63-83% of patients, with spontaneous pregnancy occurring in 12-31% of cases. Microsurgical cure of varicocele by the subinguinal route is a benchmark technique with recurrence rates of less than 4%. It improves live birth and pregnancy rates, both naturally and by in vitro fertilization, as well as sperm count, motility and DNA fragmentation rates. CONCLUSION: Whenever possible, the urologist should present the surgical options for improving male fertility to the ART team and to the couple, discussing the benefit/risk balance of the operation as part of a personalized approach.

The effects of different vasovasostomy techniques on motility of vas deferens (vas motility following vasovasostomy).

PURPOSE: Vasovasostomy is used to correct vas deferens (VD) transections encountered during surgery or to reverse sterilization vasectomies. Achieving vasal patency is the primary goal and the success is assessed on various factors including VD patency, flow rates, and pregnancy rates. While preserving vas motility is not a major concern in surgical practice, it is worth noting that VD has peristaltic activity which plays crucial role during ejaculation. Any disruption in its motility could potentially lead to negative outcomes in the future. We conducted an experimental study to assess vas motility changes following vasovasostomy. METHODS: The study was approved by Gazi University, Animals Ethic Committee. Twenty-four rats were allocated to four groups. Left-sided VD was harvested in control group (Gr1). The rest of the animals were subjected to transection of VD. Gr2 and 3 underwent microscopic and macroscopic anastomosis, respectively, while Gr4 underwent vasal approximation. After 12 weeks, all left-sided VD were resected, electrical field stimulation (EFS) and exogenous drugs were applied to induce contractions. Statistical analyses were performed and p value < 0.05 was regarded as statistically significant. RESULTS: The first and second phases of EFS-induced contractile responses(CR) increased for Gr3 and decreased for Gr4 at submaximal and maximal frequencies. An increase only at maximal frequency for second phase EFS-induced CR was encountered for Gr2. α-ß-methylene-ATP-induced CR decreased for Gr3 and 4. Noradrenaline-induced CR increased for Gr2, and 3 and decreased for Gr4. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that vasovasostomy performed using a surgical technique that minimizes disruption or damage to VD may have a favorable impact on motility.

The Diversity of Vasectomy Reversal Providers and Their Web-based Advertising Habits in the United States.

OBJECTIVE: To better understand the internet advertising material published on clinician websites for the 30,000 men who undergo evaluation for vasectomy reversal (VR), which is a technically demanding procedure requiring microsurgical expertise. METHODS: Internet search trends for "vasectomy" and "vasectomy reversal" from 2004 to 2022 were assessed using Google Trends. Search engines were then queried on a state-by-state basis for physicians performing VR and the available information aggregated and analyzed using standard statistical approaches. RESULTS: VR search volume consistently represented roughly one-tenth of the search volume for vasectomy. One hundred and ninety reversal clinics were identified in 44 of 50 states with the highest number identified in the southeast region and an overall median price of $6500. Ninety percent of physicians were male and completed residencies in urology. Other specialties included obstetrics and gynecology, general surgery, family medicine and orthopedic surgery. Forty-two percent of urologists had completed infertility fellowships. Sixty percent of physicians utilized a microscope, and 4.7% of physicians explicitly stated they did not perform vasoepididymostomy even when indicated. Fifty two percent of clinics reported VR success rates as high as 100%, and 34% of clinics reported pregnancy outcomes. Twenty-five percent of clinics reported out-of-pocket VR pricing and 26% discussed possible complications. CONCLUSION: VR is a technically demanding cash-pay procedure being performed by physicians with a wide array of backgrounds and outcomes. Urologists should strive to lead by example and report their training, personal experiences, and expected outcomes to enable optimal medical decision making for each patient.

Robotic-assisted microsurgery in andrology: a systematic review.

Robot-assisted surgery is the gold standard of treatment in many fields of urology. In this systematic review, we aim to report its usage in andrology and to evaluate any advantages. A systematic search of the PubMed and Cochrane Library databases was conducted to identify articles referring to robotic-assisted microsurgery in andrology. The search strategy was in line with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines and the Cochrane Handbook. The articles were then reviewed by two authors. A qualitative analysis of the articles that met the inclusion criteria was performed. Thirty-one articles that met the inclusion criteria were reviewed. The first results for robot-assisted vasovasostomy (RAVV) are encouraging as excellent patency rates, short operative times, and learning curves were achieved. Interestingly, patency rates were greater in some case series for RAVV than for microsurgical vasovasostomy, with a statistically significant difference. In addition, robot has been shown to be of great use in bypassing fibrotic changes in cases of iatrogenic vasal injuries, difficulties encountered with traditional microsurgery. In addition, the feasibility of robot-assisted microsurgery has been proven for varicocelectomy and microsurgical denervation of the spermatic cord, with acceptable improvement in sperm parameters and pain, respectively. The current evidence suggests that there are potential advantages of the use of robots in andrology. However, for robotic surgery to become incorporated into the daily use of the andrologists, large, multicenter randomized trials are needed. As robotics systems are becoming standard in urology practice, it is reasonable for one to believe that they will also find their place in andrology.

One-layer macroscopic verus two-layer microscopic vasovasostomy: Our experience in two referral hospitals.

OBJECTIVE: Vasovasostomy is the most common surgery to restore the fertility of vasectomized men. This study aimed to compare the outcomes of one-layer macroscopic VV (MOLVV) or two-layer microscopic VV (TLMVV). METHODS: This study was performed on the medical records of 100 patients who underwent VV surgery in two tertiary hospitals from 2014 to 2017. All patient information, including demographic and sperm analysis, was collected. The chi-square test, independent t-test, and survival analysis using Kaplan-Meyer test and Cox regression were performed to analyze the data using SPSS software version 25, and the significance level was considered 0.05. RESULTS: The fertility rate in patients of both groups was 15%. The findings showed a statistically significant difference between the mean percentage of normal sperm morphology according to the type of surgery (p = 0.045). There was no statistically significant difference between the mean sperm count, sperm motility percentage, and mean hospital costs according to the type of surgical procedure (p > 0.05). The incidence of spouse pregnancy in the TLMVV method after 15 and 24 months was 87.5% and 58.3%, respectively. In patients with unilateral anastomosis, the incidence of pregnancy at 13 and 15 months after surgery was 98.7% and 95.8%, respectively. The mean and median time of pregnancy in the spouses of patients with each surgical shower were 24 and 25 months. Other variables had no significant effect on spouse pregnancy. CONCLUSION: Vasovasostomy with the one and two-layer methods had equal results. The number, movement, and normal morphology of sperm after surgery were low. Therefore, these people will need assisted reproductive techniques.

[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.

Robotic Surgery for Male Infertility and Chronic Scrotal Content Pain.

Robot-assisted microsurgery is a trending approach for the treatment of male infertility and chronic scrotal pain. The advantages seem to include increased optical magnification, improved surgical efficiency, absent tremor, and similar outcomes with standard methods. This chapter covers robotic microsurgical application and techniques for: robot-assisted vasectomy reversal with vasovasostomy and vasoepididymostomy, varicocelectomy, microsurgical testicular sperm extraction, and targeted denervation of the spermatic cord.

Combined robotic and subinguinal microsurgical vasovasostomy for vasal obstruction after inguinal hernia repair.

Obstruction of the vas deferens may occur after inguinal hernia repair with mesh and lead to infertility. In cases where natural conception is desired and after obtaining test results that suggest the presence of spermatogenesis, surgical reconstruction can be attempted but may be difficult. Several approaches have been reported, including the laparoscopic mobilisation of the pelvic vas deferens, as well as mobilisation and passage of the scrotal vas deferens intra-abdominally for robot-assisted vasovasostomy. We describe a novel approach that used the surgical robot and a no-touch technique to mobilise the pelvic vas deferens and deliver it to the subinguinal region for subinguinal microsurgical vasovasostomy. This approach appeared to be feasible and safe, allows for simultaneous bilateral repair if needed, and was associated with rapid postoperative convalescence.

[Imaging quality of the robotic visualization 4K3D system and its application in microscopic vasectomy reversal in rats].

OBJECTIVE: To quantitatively assess the performance of the new robotic visualization system (Zeiss, KINEVO 900) in terms of visual imaging effect and evaluate its potential application in microscopic vasectomy reversal. METHODS: We made a parallel comparison between the effects of the plane and stereo visual images of KINEVO 900 and optical surgical microscopy (Zeiss, S7), and performed microscopic vasectomy reversal on the rat model using KINEVO 900. RESULTS: Compared with S7, KINEVO 900 provided an even longer working distance (200－625 mm), a 3－4 times larger effective field area and a 1.5－2 times deeper front depth of field with the same working distance of 200 mm. No statistically significant difference was observed in the average anastomosis time and immediate patency rate between the two platforms (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The 4K3D video image stream outputted by KINEVO 900 is not inferior to that of the optical surgical microscope represented by S7 and is sufficient for microsurgeries in urology and andrology. More prospective randomized clinical animal experiments are needed to further evaluate its application value in andrology.

3D digital image microscope system-assisted vasovasostomy and vasoepididymostomy in rats.

Optimal vision and ergonomics are essential factors contributing to the achievement of good results during microsurgery. The three-dimensional (3D) digital image microscope system with a better 3D depth of field can release strain on the surgeon's neck and back, which can improve outcomes in microsurgery. We report a randomized prospective study of vasoepididymostomy and vasovasostomy using a 3D digital image microscope system (3D-DIM) in rats. A total of 16 adult male rats were randomly divided into two groups of 8 each: the standard operating microscope (SOM) group and the 3D-DIM group. The outcomes measured included the operative time, real-time postoperative mechanical patency, and anastomosis leakage. Furthermore, a user-friendly microscope score was designed to evaluate the ergonomic design and equipment characteristics of the microscope. There were no differences in operative time between the two groups. The real-time postoperative mechanical patency rates were 100.0% for both groups. The percentage of vasoepididymostomy anastomosis leakage was 16.7% in the SOM group and 25.0% in the 3D-DIM group; however, no vasovasostomy anastomosis leakage was found in either group. In terms of the ergonomic design, the 3D-DIM group obtained better scores based on the surgeon's feelings; in terms of the equipment characteristics, the 3D-DIM group had lower scores for clarity and higher scores for flexibility and adaptivity. Based on our randomized prospective study in a rat model, we believe that the 3D-DIM can improve surgeon comfort without compromising outcomes in male infertility reconstructive microsurgery, so the 3D-DIM might be widely used in the future.

The Utility of Sperm Cryopreservation at the Time of Vasectomy Reversal.

PURPOSE: We retrospectively evaluated the utility of sperm cryopreservation at the time of vasectomy reversal. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From April 2016 through December 2018 a total of 26 men underwent vasectomy reversal. Sperm cryopreservation is routinely offered at the time of vasectomy reversal at our institution. We sought to assess utilization of cryopreserved sperm by those men with early or late vasectomy reversal failure. RESULTS: Of 26 patients presenting for vasectomy reversal 22 (85%) elected to cryopreserve sperm. Sperm were obtained for freezing from the vasal (7 patients) or epididymal fluid (3), or via testicular biopsy (12). Three patients were lost to followup postoperatively. Of the 23 who presented for post-procedure followup 19 either had semen analyses with motile sperm or a live birth (83% success rate). There were 4 early failures and 2 late failures; all patients with failures had elected to cryopreserve sperm at the time of initial reversal. Three of the 6 individuals (50%) with vasectomy reversal failure elected to use cryopreserved sperm for in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection, with 2 of these (67%) resulting in live births. CONCLUSIONS: Of those patients who experienced vasectomy reversal failure 50% elected to use cryopreserved sperm that had been procured at the time of initial reversal. Given the potential for early or late failure, cryopreservation of sperm at the time of vasectomy reversal should be routinely offered as a means of avoiding the added expense and potential morbidity of future surgical sperm retrieval.

Robotic Surgery for Male Infertility.

The robotic platform offers theoretical and practical advantages to microsurgical male infertility surgery. These include reduction or elimination of tremor, 3-dimensional visualization, and decreased need for skilled surgical assistance. This article reviews the application of robotic surgery to each of the 4 primary male infertility procedures: vasectomy reversal, varicocelectomy, testicular sperm extraction, and spermatic cord denervation. Historical perspective is presented alongside the available outcomes data, which are limited in most cases. Before the robotic approach can be widely adopted, further clinical trials are needed to compare outcomes and costs with those of other validated surgical techniques.

Microsurgical seminal reconstruction; our experiences in a single institute.

We assessed the contribution of microsurgical seminal reconstruction to achieving natural conception in conjunction with advanced assisted reproductive technologies. Ninety obstructive azoospermic subjects who underwent microsurgical seminal reconstruction were evaluated. Vasovasostomy (VV) was undertaken in 45 subjects whereas vasoepididymostomy (VE) in 45, respectively. VV was performed by employing a two microlayer anastomotic technique, whilst VE was undertaken using double needle longitudinal vaspepididymostomy (LIVE). Patency was achieved in 41 VV (91.1%), and 25 VE (55.6%) cases. In cases where patency was achieved, pregnancy and healthy delivery were recorded following natural intercourse in 7/41 (17.0%) VV, and in 7/25 (28.0%) VE cases. Where patency was not achieved, the use of cryopreserved sperm for intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), resulted in a healthy delivery in 4/4 (100%) VV and 14/21 (66.6%) in VE subjects. Although natural pregnancy was achieved only in a limited number of subjects treated (14/90; 15.6%), sperm harvested during surgery and cryopreserved for future ICSI use proved valuable, doubling the overall delivery rate (32/90; 36.6%). Surgical intervention is considered to be a useful technique in order to allow the possibility of a natural conception and by harvesting sperm at the same time contributes to the cost-effectiveness.

Vasovasostomy: kinetics and predictors of patency.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the timing of patency and late failure (secondary azoospermia) after vasovasostomy (VV) using standardized kinetics definitions. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. SETTING: University-affiliated hospital. PATIENT(S): Patients with obstructive azoospermia. INTERVENTION(S): Vasovasostomy. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Univariate and multivariate logistic regression assessed predictors of patency and late failure. Patency was defined as any sperm return to the ejaculate; and >2 million total motile sperm (TMS) in ejaculate. Late failure after VV was defined as azoospermia; or <2 million TMS in ejaculate. RESULT(S): 429 men underwent VV, with median follow up of 242 days. Mean time to patency was 3.25 months versus 5.29 months in the "any sperm" versus ">2 million TMS" groups. Finding sperm intraoperatively during VV significantly improved patency rates in multivariable analysis (odds ratio [OR] 4.22). This association was further boosted when sperm was found bilaterally (OR 6.70). Late failure rate (azoospermia) was 10.6% at mean time of 14.1 months and 23% for <2 million, at mean time of 15.7 months. When assessing predictors of late failure, intraoperative motile sperm bilaterally was a statistically significant protective factor on multivariate analysis (hazard ratio 0.22). CONCLUSION(S): Vasovasostomy remains highly efficacious in treating obstructive azoospermia. Young patients, shorter obstructive intervals, and sperm identified intraoperatively predict improved outcomes. Clinicians can expect VV patency in 3 months and late failure within the first 2 years after surgery. However, patency rates, late failure rates, and kinetics vary by definition.

Fertility-enhancing male reproductive surgery: glimpses into the past and thoughts for the future.

Over the past few decades, there have been numerous paradigm shifts in male reproductive surgery, resulting from a combination of technologic advancements in both the operating room and the laboratory. The operating microscope transformed the field of male reproductive surgery, enabling novel techniques and higher precision for the treatment of male-factor subfertility. The subsequent widespread adoption of microsurgical approaches was largely responsible for the emergence of a cadre of highly specialized male infertility microsurgeons. The advent and evolution of in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection was a concurrent story that further revolutionized the field. The ability to achieve fertilization and pregnancy with just a single sperm changed the ways in which male reproductive surgeons could approach a wide range of pathologies from obstructive to nonobstructive causes, culminating in the microdissection testicular sperm extraction procedure for the treatment of nonobstructive azoospermia. Here we review the recent advancements in fertility-enhancing male reproductive surgery for the treatment of four disease processes: varicocele, obstruction of the excurrent ductal system, ejaculatory duct obstruction, and nonobstructive azoospermia. While examining the great strides of the past, we look forward to exciting developments on the horizon.

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.