ABSTRACT
Studies have explored the assisted reproductive technology (ART) outcomes of Y-chromosome azoospermia factor c (AZFc) microdeletions, but the effect of sperm source on intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) remains unknown. To determine the ART results of ICSI using testicular sperm and ejaculated sperm from males with AZFc microdeletions, we searched Embase, Web of Science, and PubMed to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis. The first meta-analysis results for 106 cycles in five studies showed no significant differences in the live birth rate between the testicular sperm group and the ejaculated sperm group (risk ratio: 0.97, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.73-1.28, P = 0.82). The second meta-analysis of 106 cycles in five studies showed no difference in the abortion rate between the testicular sperm group and ejaculated sperm group (risk ratio: 1.06, 95% CI: 0.54-2.06, P = 0.87). The third meta-analysis of 386 cycles in seven studies showed no significant difference in clinical pregnancy rates between the testicular sperm group and the ejaculated sperm group (risk ratio: 1.24, 95% CI: 0.66-2.34, P = 0.50). Inevitable heterogeneity weakened our results. However, our results indicated that testicular sperm and ejaculated sperm yield similar ART outcomes, representing a meaningful result for clinical treatment. More properly designed studies are needed to further confirm our conclusions.
ABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the clinical application of high-frequency ultrasound in the diagnosis and treatment of epididymal stasis after vasectomy.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>We retrospectively studied the sonographic characteristics of 23 cases of epididymal stasis treated by vasectomy, which were divided into a mild (n = 5), a moderate (n = 11) and a severe group (n = 7) according to the results of color Doppler flow imaging. We analyzed the significance of high-frequency ultrasonography in the treatment of epididymal stasis after vasectomy.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>High-frequency ultrasonography revealed 14 cases of increased bilateral epididymal volume, 6 cases of left epididymal thickening and 3 cases of right epididymal thickening, mainly the thickening of the epididymal body and tail. After conservative treatment, 18 of the epididymal stasis cases (5 mild, 11 moderate and 2 severe) were improved, and the other 5 severe cases significantly relieved and discharged from hospital following conservative treatment combined with vasectomy reversal.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Post-vasectomy epididymal stasis has typical sonographic characteristics, and high-frequency ultrasonography has an extremely important application value in the clinical classification, diagnosis and treatment of the disease.</p>
Subject(s)
Adult , Aged , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Epididymis , Diagnostic Imaging , Genital Diseases, Male , Diagnostic Imaging , Retrospective Studies , Ultrasonography , Methods , VasectomyABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the reconstructive operative procedures of funnel chest with "sternum-costicartilage" flap carried by the abdominal rectus pedicle.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>(1) In accordance with the lesioned area of funnel-like depressed deformity of anterior thoracic wall, a perpendicular median incision was designed and made; (2) The "sternum-costicartilage" flap carrying the abdominal rectus pedicle was used and reversed and transplanted to reconstruct severe funnel chest deformity.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The procedure was used in 7 cases from 1999 to 2005. The results of surgery were satisfactory. There were no recurrence after operation.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The procedure reported here is rather safe, solid and sound with good therapeutic results, and is of great value in clinical practice.</p>