Early patency rates after the two-suture invagination technique of vaso-epididymal anastomosis for idiopathic obstruction.

Abstract

OBJECTIVES:

To prospectively evaluate the results of vaso-epididymostomy, using a two-suture microsurgical invagination technique, when used for men with azoospermia due to an obstruction at the vaso-epididymal junction.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

Between December 2002 and November 2004, 29 men with idiopathic obstructive azoospermia underwent vaso-epididymostomy with the two-suture invagination technique. The patency rate was assessed by return of sperm in the semen after surgery.

RESULTS:

In all, 23 men provided at least one postoperative semen sample. The mean (range) follow-up was 7.6 (1.5-30) months. In 11 of these men (48%), patency was shown at a mean of 3.2 (1.5-7) months after surgery. The median sperm density was 17 (10-65) million/mL. Four men had normal sperm density and motility (>20 million/mL; >50% total motility).

CONCLUSIONS:

Men with idiopathic vaso-epididymal junction obstruction can have significant sperm positivity after vaso-epididymostomy. With a patency rate of nearly half within a year of surgery, vaso-epididymostomy should be the first line of therapy for these men.

• Authors: Rajeev Kumar, Gagan Gautam, Narmada P Gupta
• Journal: BJU international (BJU Int) Vol. 97 Issue 3 Pg. 575-7 (Mar 2006) ISSN: 1464-4096 [Print] England
• PMID: 16469029 (Publication Type: Evaluation Study, Journal Article)

Topics

• Adult
• Anastomosis, Surgical (methods)
• Epididymis (surgery)
• Follow-Up Studies
• Humans
• Male
• Microsurgery (methods)
• Oligospermia (surgery)
• Prospective Studies
• Semen (chemistry)
• Sperm Count
• Sperm Motility
• Suture Techniques
• Treatment Outcome
• Vas Deferens (surgery)