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.

Clinical features and microsurgical reconstruction of congenital unilateral absence of the vas deferens with obstructive azoospermia: a tertiary care center experience / 亚洲男科学杂志(英文版)

Patients with congenital unilateral absence of the vas deferens (CUAVD) manifest diverse symptoms from normospermia to azoospermia. Treatment for CUAVD patients with obstructive azoospermia (OA) is complicated, and there is a lack of relevant reports. In this study, we describe the clinical features and evaluate the treatments and outcomes of CUAVD patients with OA. From December 2015 to December 2020, 33 patients were diagnosed as CUAVD with OA in Shanghai General Hospital (Shanghai, China). Patient information, ultrasound findings, semen analysis, hormone profiles, and treatment information were collected, and the clinical outcomes were evaluated. Of 33 patients, 29 patients were retrospectively analyzed. Vasoepididymostomy (VE) or cross VE was performed in 12 patients, the patency rate was 41.7% (5/12), and natural pregnancy was achieved in one of the patients. The other 17 patients underwent testicular sperm extraction as the distal vas deferens (contralateral side) was obstructed. These findings showed that VE or cross VE remains an alternative treatment for CUAVD patients with OA, even with a relatively low rate of patency and natural pregnancy.

3D digital image microscope system-assisted vasovasostomy and vasoepididymostomy in rats / 亚洲男科学杂志(英文版)

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.

Prospective analysis of factors predicting feasibility & success of longitudinal intussusception vasoepididymostomy in men with idiopathic obstructive azoospermia

Background & objectives: Microsurgical reconstruction for idiopathic obstructive azoospermia is a challenging procedure, and selection of appropriate patients is important for successful outcomes. This prospective study was done to evaluate the ability of scrotal ultrasound measurements to predict the surgical feasibility and determine factors that could predict a patent anastomosis following vaso-epididymal anastomosis (VE) in men with idiopathic obstructive azoospermia. Methods: In this prospective study, men diagnosed with idiopathic obstructive azoospermia, scheduled for a longitudinal intussusception VE, underwent a scrotal ultrasound measurement of testicular and epididymal dimensions. During surgery, site and type of anastomosis, presence of sperms in the epididymal fluid and technical satisfaction with the anastomosis were recorded. All men where VE could be performed were followed up for appearance of sperms in the ejaculate. Ultrasound parameters were compared between men who had a VE versus those with negative exploration. Predictive factors were compared between men with or without a patent anastomosis. Results: Thirty four patients were included in the study conducted between September 2014 and August 2016 and a VE was possible in only 19 (55%) patients. Of these 19 patients, six had a patent anastomosis with one pregnancy. Preoperative ultrasound measurements could not identify patients where a VE could not be performed. Motile sperm in the epididymal fluid was the only significant predictor of a successful anastomosis. Interpretation & conclusion: Forty five per cent of men planned for a VE for idiopathic obstructive azoospermia could not undergo a reconstruction. Ultrasound assessment of testicular and epididymal dimensions could not predict the feasibility of performing a VE. The presence of motile sperms in the epididymal fluid was the only significant predictor of a patent VE in our study.

The role of vasoepididymostomy for treatment of obstructive azoospermia in the era of in vitro fertilization: A systematic review and meta-Analysis / 亚洲男科学杂志(英文版)

This study comprises a systematic review and meta-Analysis of microsurgical vasoepididymostomy outcomes in epididymal obstructive azoospermia. A comprehensive literature search was performed using Medline, Embase, and the Cochrane library that included all studies related to microsurgical vasoepididymostomy. Keywords included "vasoepididymostomy," "epididymovasostomy," "epididymal obstruction," and "epididymis obstruction." Event rate and risk ratio (RR) were estimated. Patency rate and pregnancy rate were investigated. The analysis comprised 1422 articles, including 42 observational studies with 2298 enrolled patients performed from November 1978 to January 2017. The overall mean patency rate was 64.1% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 58.5%-69.3%; I2=83.0%), and the overall mean pregnancy rate was 31.1% (95% CI: 26.9%-35.7%; I2=73.0%). We performed a meta-Analysis comparing the patency rate of bilateral microsurgical vasoepididymostomy and unilateral microsurgical vasoepididymostomy and found an RR of 1.38% (95% CI: 1.21%-1.57%; P < 0.00001). A comparison of the site of microsurgical vasoepididymostomy showed that caudal or corpus area was favorable for patency rate (RR = 1.17%; 95% CI: 1.01%-1.35%; P = 0.04). Patients with motile sperm in epididymal fluid exhibited an RR of 1.53% (95% CI: 1.11%-2.13%; P = 0.01) with respect to patency rate. Microsurgical vasoepididymostomy is an effective treatment for epididymal obstructive azoospermia that can improve male fertility. We find that performing microsurgical vasoepididymostomy bilaterally, anastomosing a larger caudal area, and containing motile sperm in epididymis fluid can potentially achieve a superior patency rate.

Microsurgical management of obstructive azoospermia: Progress and prospects / 中华男科学杂志

In the past two decades, with the rapid development of assisted reproductive technology and particularly the technological advances in male infertility microsurgery, many obstructive azoospermia-related infertile couples can now acquire the chances of natural pregnancy via reconstruction of the seminal tract. This article highlights the latest advances in surgical reconstruction of the seminal tract for the treatment of obstructive azoospermia, such as the application of laparoscopic and robotic techniques, with a discussion on microsurgical epididymal sperm aspiration and preservation, potential use of absorbable sutures or the bio-suture tape for microsurgical anastomosis in the management of obstructive azoospermia.

Multifactor analysis of postoperative patency of microsurgical vasoepididymostomy / 中华泌尿外科杂志

Objective To analyze the factors which may affect postoperative patency of microsurgical vasoepididymostomy (VE).Methods Ninety-four patients underwent VEs from September 2014 to June 2016 in the Department of Urology,Peking University Third Hospital,with average age of (30.7 ± 4.8) years,and body mass index (BMI) of (25.1 ± 3.0) kg/m2.Semen analyses were performed 1 month,3 months and 5 to 6 months after the operation.The following semen analyses were performed every 3-6 months thereafter.Patency was defined by finding sperms in twice or more analyses during the followup until August 2017.Patients were followed up by face-to-face or telephone interview.Seven factors (age,BMI,bilateral or unilateral anastomosis,anastomosis sites,the adjustment of anastomosis sites,motility and quantity of sperms found in epididymal fluid) were analyzed by Chi-square analysis and multifactor logistic regression analysis.Results Eighty-two patients were followed up (87.2％,82/94) while 12 patients were lost of follow-up.The mean follow-up time was 19 months.Sperms were found in the ejaculate in 59 patients postoperatively.The overall patency rate was 72.0％ (59/82),and natural paternity rate was 32.8％ (19/58).Patients ≤28 years old and those ＞28 years old had patency rates of 89.3％ (25/28) and 63.0％ (34/54,P =0.012),respectively.Patients with BMI ＜26.0 kg/m2 and BMI≥26.0 kg/m2 had patency rates of 80.4％ (41/51) and 58.1％ (18/31,P =0.029),respectively.Patency rate of bilateral surgery was 72.1％ (44/61) and of unilateral surgery was 71.4％ (44/62,P =0.727).Patency rate of caput anastomosis achieved 75.0％ (15/20) and of corpus/caudal anastomosis was 71.0％ (44/62,P =0.727).Patency rates of patients with and without adjustment of anastomosis sites were 77.8％ (7/9) and 71.2％ (52/73,P =0.680),respectively.Patency rates of a lot,a few,motile and seldom-motile sperms in epididymal fluid were 74.3％ (55/74) vs.50.0％ (4/8,P =0.146) and 70.0％ (28/40) vs.73.8％ (31/42,P =0.701),respectively.Multifactor logistic regression analysis showed that age was well associated with patency rate (OR=4.705,95％CI 1.181-18.742,P=0.028).Conclusions Age ≤28 years is an independent factor leading to higher patency rates.Patients with lower BMIs and younger could have higher patency rates.Factors of anastomosis sides,anastomosis sites,the adjustment of anastomosis sites,motility and quantity of sperms found in epididymal fluid showed no statistical difference in patency rates.

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.

The role of vasoepididymostomy for treatment of obstructive azoospermia in the era of in vitro fertilization: a systematic review and meta-analysis / 亚洲男科学杂志(英文版)

This study comprises a systematic review and meta-analysis of microsurgical vasoepididymostomy outcomes in epididymal obstructive azoospermia. A comprehensive literature search was performed using Medline, Embase, and the Cochrane library that included all studies related to microsurgical vasoepididymostomy. Keywords included "vasoepididymostomy," "epididymovasostomy," "epididymal obstruction," and "epididymis obstruction." Event rate and risk ratio (RR) were estimated. Patency rate and pregnancy rate were investigated. The analysis comprised 1422 articles, including 42 observational studies with 2298 enrolled patients performed from November 1978 to January 2017. The overall mean patency rate was 64.1% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 58.5%-69.3%; I2=83.0%), and the overall mean pregnancy rate was 31.1% (95% CI: 26.9%-35.7%; I2=73.0%). We performed a meta-analysis comparing the patency rate of bilateral microsurgical vasoepididymostomy and unilateral microsurgical vasoepididymostomy and found an RR of 1.38% (95% CI: 1.21%-1.57%; P < 0.00001). A comparison of the site of microsurgical vasoepididymostomy showed that caudal or corpus area was favorable for patency rate (RR = 1.17%; 95% CI: 1.01%-1.35%; P = 0.04). Patients with motile sperm in epididymal fluid exhibited an RR of 1.53% (95% CI: 1.11%-2.13%; P = 0.01) with respect to patency rate. Microsurgical vasoepididymostomy is an effective treatment for epididymal obstructive azoospermia that can improve male fertility. We find that performing microsurgical vasoepididymostomy bilaterally, anastomosing a larger caudal area, and containing motile sperm in epididymis fluid can potentially achieve a superior patency rate.

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.

Retrospective analysis of one-year outcomes after modified single-armed suture technique for microsurgical intussusception vasoepididymostomy / 中华显微外科杂志

Objective To retrospectively analyze the one-year outcomes of modified single-armed suture technique for microsurgical vasoepididymostomy in men with epididymal obstructive azoospermia (EOA).Methods From February,2012 to November,2013,microsurgical longitudinal intussusception vasoepididymostomies using a modified single-armed suture technique in 51 men with EOA was performed.The followed-up period was designed as 1 year.The correlations between the sperm motility in epididymal fluid,unilateral or bilateral procedure,anastomotic site,and the female partner age and the patency or pregnancy rate were analyzed.Results Followups were carried out for 39 (76.5％) men.The patency was noted in 24 (61.5％) men and pregnancy was reported in 15 (38.5％) female partners,including 1 received in vitro fertilization using fresh ejaculated sperm.Motile sperms in epididymal fluid were observed intraoperatively in 14 (58.3％) patent men and 3 (20.0％) nonpatent men,respectively (P ＜ 0.05).In patent cohort,the mean ages of the pregnant and non-pregnant female partners were 26.5 and 32.7 years(P ＜ 0.05),respectively.Conclusion The modified single-armed suture technique showed favourable patency and pregnancy rates in this study.It's a practical alternative in the areas without the specialized double armed suture.

Multiple factors affecting surgical outcomes and patency rates in use of single-armed two-suture microsurgical vasoepididymostomy: A single surgeons experience with 81 patients / 亚洲男科学杂志(英文版)

Vasoepididymostomy (VE), as the most challenging procedure in microsurgeries, is often carried out with a double-armed two-suture technique. In this study, we evaluated the efficacy and safety of the single-armed two-suture VEs on humans and studied the factors that could possibly affect the patency rates. From July 2012 to July 2013, we reviewed 81 patients with consecutive primary epididymal obstruction who underwent single-armed two-suture longitudinal intussusception microsurgical VEs by a single surgeon, Kai Hong (KH). At the same time, we analyzed seven factors that possibly related to the patency rates. With the single-armed technique, a total of 81 men underwent the microsurgical VEs. Data on 62 patients were completely recorded. 19 patients were lost to follow-up. Mean age was 31 years old. Mean follow-up time was 8.8 (2-17) months. The patency rate was 66.1% (41/62). Natural pregnancy rate was 34.1% (14/41). Overall pregnancy rate was 22.6% (14/62). No severe surgical complications were noted. With logistic regression test analysis, there were two factors related to a higher patency rate: anastomosis sites (P = 0.035) and motile sperm found in the epididymal fluid (P = 0.006). Motile sperm found in the epididymal fluid were associated with a higher patency rate (OR = 11.80, 95% CI = 1.79, 77.65). The single-armed two-suture longitudinal VE technique is feasible for microsurgical practice. The patency and pregnancy rates are comparable to the doubled-armed technique. Anastomosis sites and motile sperm found in the epididymal fluid were the most two important factors related to higher patency.

Vasectomy reversal: A clinical update / 亚洲男科学杂志(英文版)

Vasectomy is a safe and effective method of contraception used by 42-60 million men worldwide. Approximately 3%-6% of men opt for a vasectomy reversal due to the death of a child or divorce and remarriage, change in financial situation, desire for more children within the same marriage, or to alleviate the dreaded postvasectomy pain syndrome. Unlike vasectomy, vasectomy reversal is a much more technically challenging procedure that is performed only by a minority of urologists and places a larger financial strain on the patient since it is usually not covered by insurance. Interest in this procedure has increased since the operating microscope became available in the 1970s, which consequently led to improved patency and pregnancy rates following the procedure. In this clinical update, we discuss patient evaluation, variables that may influence reversal success rates, factors to consider in choosing to perform vasovasostomy versus vasoepididymostomy, and the usefulness of vasectomy reversal to alleviate postvasectomy pain syndrome. We also review the use of robotics for vasectomy reversal and other novel techniques and instrumentation that have emerged in recent years to aid in the success of this surgery.

Microsurgical vasoepididymostomy for patients with infectious obstructive azoospermia: Cause, outcome, and associated factors / 亚洲男科学杂志(英文版)

Azoospermia is of great importance to male infertility. Obstructive azoospermia (OA) due to infection is the most prevalent form of OA in China and has been less studied. We aim to observe the treatment outcome of microsurgical vasoepididymostomy (VE) and also to identify the factors relative to the result after reconstructive surgery. Two hundred and eight men presenting with OA due to infection during the study period from July 2010 to July 2013 were prospectively evaluated. Clinical examination, semen analysis, serum follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), and scrotal ultrasound were done before surgical exploration. Among the 198 men who were selected for surgical procedures, 159 candidates underwent microsurgical VE with sperm detected in the epididymal fluid. As for the other 39 cases, reconstruction was not feasible. The average age was 28.5 ± 3.9 years (range 22-38), with average follow-up being 16.5 ± 5.9 months (range 4-28). According to the 150 cases being followed after VE procedures, the total patency rate was 72% (108/150). During follow-up, 38.7% (58/150) natural pregnancies occurred, with overall live birth rate being 32.7% (49/150). Our data suggested that microsurgical VE is an effective therapy for postinfectious epididymal OA. Individualized counseling with prognosis based on etiology should be offered to patients to select optical therapy.

Surgical treatment for epididymal obstructive azoospermia / 中华泌尿外科杂志

Objective To discuss the clinical outcomes of surgical treatment on epididymal obstructive azoospermia (EOA) and the factors affecting clinical results. Methods The clinical data of 51 EOA patients who underwent single layer longitudinal 2-suture intussusception vasoepididymostomy (LIVE) were retrospectively analyzed. The months of follow up, mean level of sperm count per ejaculate and percentage of grade A sperm were collected. Patency and pregnancy rates were recorded during followups. Results A total of 51 men were taken scrotal exploration. Sperms were bilaterally or unilaterally present in epididymal fluid in 49 cases, including 1 case had sperm in one side of the epididymal fluid and the contralateral vasal fluid. No sperm was found in epididymis in 2 cases. Bilateral and unilateral LIVE were performed in 48 cases. 44 were followed for more than 6 months and 39 for more than 1 year. Sperm was present in ejaculate in 32 of cases, the overall patency rates were 72.7%. The mean sperm count was (24±23) × 106 per ejaculate. Grade A sperm was present in the ejaculate in 28 cases with a mean levels of (12± 11.2)%. A total of 10 cases achieved pregnancy.Pregnancy was achieved only when the site of anastomosis was at cauda epididymis. Conclusions Loupe-assisted LIVE, with lower cost and simplified surgical procedure, could achieve optimistic patency outcomes and pregnancy results. Data of this paper also suggested that it should be taken into account that pregnant outcome was related to the site of anastomosis.

The Need for Sperm Cryopreservation at the Time of Vasovasostomy or Vasoepididymostomy / 대한비뇨기과학회지

PURPOSE: Retrieved sperm or testicular tissues are sometimes cryopreserved at the time of a vasovasostomy or vasoepididymostomy. It is possible to use cryopreserved sperm with intracytoplasmic sperm injection(ICSI) in the case of failure of pregnancy or surgical correction. The need for sperm cryopreservation at the time of a vasovasostomy or vasoepididymostomy was evaluated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 61 patients underwent a vasovasostomy and 42 underwent a vasoepididymostomy, performed by one urologist(J.T.S), between May 1994 and April 1999. Follow up data were available for 42 and 32 cases of vasovasostomy and vasoepididymostomy, respectively. Sperm cryopreservation was carried out at the time of the vasovasostomy in 6 cases(6/42) and the vasoepididymostomy in 18(18/32). RESULTS: The overall patency rates were 92.9(39/42) and 37.5%(12/32) for the vasovasostomy and vasoepididymostomy, respectively. The pregnancy rates in the case of successful surgical correction were 56.4%(22/39) and 41.6%(5/12) for the vasovasostomy vasoepididymostomy, respectively. Only in 8 cases(8/18) were the cryopreservated sperm used after a failed vasoepididymostomy. CONCLUSIONS: A vasovasostomy exhibited a higher patency and pregnancy rates than a vasoepididymostomy. Routine sperm cryopreservation in men undergoing vasovasostomy is not recommended. Sperm cryopreservation during an operation is recommended for surgical and pregnancy failures, in men undergoing vasoepididymostomy. Intraoperative sperm cryopreservation in men undergoing vasoepididymostomy will maximize the postoperative fertility options.