Outcomes of a modified microdot two-layer microsurgical vasovasostomy in the treatment of vas deferens obstruction caused by inguinal herniorrhaphy / 现代泌尿外科杂志

【Objective】 To introduce a modified microdot two-layer microsurgical vasovasostomy (MVV) and to analyze its effectiveness in patients with vas deferens obstruction caused by inguinal herniorrhaphy. 【Methods】 Clinical data of patients treated during Mar.2015 and Oct.2020 were retrospectively analyzed. According to different surgical methods, the patients were divided into the modified group and traditional group. The general data, intraoperative conditions, efficacies and complications of the two groups were compared. 【Results】 There were 59 cases in the modified group, 54(91.5%) of whom were successfully followed up, and 41 cases in the traditional group, 38(92.7%) of whom were successfully followed up. There were no significant differences in age, inguinal herniorrhaphy history, and unilateral/bilateral ratio between the two groups (P>0.05). The average operation time for unilateral lesions in the modified group was shorter than that in the traditional group [(89.44±24.86) vs. (112.04±43.40) min, P=0.032]. The postoperative patency rate (83.3% vs.73.7%, P>0.05) and natural pregnancy rate (33.3% vs.28.9%, P>0.05) of the modified group and traditional group were comparable. Incision fat liquefaction occurred in 2 cases (3.70%) in the modified group and in 1 case (2.63%) in the traditional group (P>0.05). 【Conclusion】 The modified microdot two-layer MVV is a safe surgical method with comparable effectiveness as the traditional approach. By adjusting the position of the marking points and the order of suturing, it helps the management of sutures, reduces the difficulty of vasovasostomy, shortens operation time, and can be applied to repair vas deferens obstruction caused by inguinal herniorrhaphy.

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.

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.

Scrotal ultrasonography for treatment choice of obstructive azoospermia / 中国医学影像技术

Objective: To explore the value of scrotal ultrasonography for choice of treatment of obstructive azoospermia. Methods: Totally 93 obstructive azoospermia patients were prospectively collected for scrotal ultrasound to evaluate whether the epididymis and vas deferens were intact, dilated or calcified. The diameter of epididymal duct and vas deferens were measured. Then the patients were divided into sperm extraction group (n=27) or vasal reconstruction group (n=66) according to the treatment. The etiology and sonographic appearances were compared between groups. The cut-off values of ultrasonic parameters were evaluated by ROC curve, followed by the sensitivity, specificity, positive predicative value, negative predicative value and accuracy. Results: There were significant differences of epididymal morphology, vas deferens dysplasia, calcification, and the diameter of epididymal duct between 2 groups (all P<0.05). Taken 0.55 mm for the cut-off value of diameter of epididymal duct, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and accuracy of correctly identifying the patients suitable for sperm extraction was 87.47%, 86.70%, 77.82%, 92.76% and 87.03%, respectively. Conclusion: Scrotal ultrasonography plays an important role in guiding treatment for patients with obstructive azoospermia.

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.

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.

Reversión de vasectomía: técnica simplificada / Reversal vasectomy: a simpliefed technique

Introducción. Aproximadamente un 3 por ciento de los hombres que se han sometido a una vasectomía se realizan posteriormente una reversión de ésta con intención de fertilidad. La vasovasostomía (VV) microquirúrgica como técnica de reversión de vasectomía, permite la recanalización de los conductos deferentes, ofreciendo muy buenos resultados. Objetivo. Describir los resultados quirúrgicos y la efectividad de la VV en una serie de pacientes operados mediante una técnica simplificada. Materiales y Métodos. Estudio retrospectivo. Se analizaron antecedentes demográficos y quirúrgicos. Se utilizó una técnica de VV simplificada que consiste en realizar una miniincisión de abordaje (1 cm), sin evaluar el líquido seminal mediante la graduación de Silber y realizar la anastomosis en un plano único con material de sutura no reabsorbible 9-0. Se controló con espermiograma al primer y tercer mes post-cirugía, evaluando concentración espermática, motilidad progresiva, morfología y volumen seminal entre otros. Se calculó la tasa de permeabilidad deferencial (definida como presencia de espermatozoides en el eyaculado) y la tasa de embarazo post VV. Resultados. Un total de 75 pacientes fueron incluidos en el estudio, operados entre agosto de 2009 y julio de 2016 por 2 cirujanos (CP, MM). La edad media (± desviación estándar) de los pacientes y de sus parejas fue de 43,9 ± 6,4 años y 34,4 ± 4,2 años, respectivamente. La mediana del tiempo transcurrido entre la vasectomía y la VV fue de 8 años (2 ­ 21 años). La mediana del tiempo quirúrgico fue de 110 minutos (85 ­ 183 minutos), con menos de un 3 por ciento de complicaciones post-operatorias (todas grado-I según escala Clavien-Dindo). Al primer mes el 93% de los pacientes tenía espermatozoides en el eyaculado, con una mediana de concentración de 12 x 10

Introduction. Approximately 3 pertcent of men subjected to a vasectomy undergo a subsequent reversal with fertility purposes. The microsurgical vasovasostomy (VV) as a vasectomy reversal technique allows recanalization of the deferential ducts, offering very good results. Objetive. To describe the surgical results and effectiveness of VV in a series of patients in whom a simplified technique was performed. Materials y Methods. Restrospective study. Demographic and surgical records were analyzed. The VV was performed using a simplified technique, meaning a mini-incision approach (1 cm), avoidance of the proximal seminal fluid analysis using the Silber score and performing the anastomosis in a single-layered fashion with a 9-0 non-absorbable suture. A sperm analysis was performed at first and third postoperative month., assesing sperm concentration, progressive motility, morphology and sperm volume among other factors. The deferential permeability rate (defined as presence of spermatozoids in semen) and pregnancy rates after VV were calculated. Results. A total of 75 patients were included in the study. All surgeries were performed by 2 surgeons (CP, MM) between August 2009 and July 2016. The average age (± standard deviation) of patients and their sexual partners were 43.9 ± 6.4 years and 34.4 ± 4.2 years, respectively. The median time span between the vasectomy and reversal was 8 years (range 2 ­ 21 years). The median surgical time was 110 minutes (range 85 ­ 183 minutes), with less than a 3 pertcent rate of postoperative complications (all grade-I according to Clavien-Dindo classification). At the first postoperative month 93 pertcent of the patients had spermatozoids in the eyaculate, with a median concentration of 12 x 10

Loupe-Assisted Vasovasostomy Using a Prolene Stent: A Simpler Vasectomy Reversal Technique

PURPOSE: Microsurgical vasovasostomy is associated with high patency and pregnancy rates, but is difficult and requires significant effort and time to learn. Therefore, we assessed a simplified loupe-assisted vasovasostomy method using a Prolene stent. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The medical records of 82 patients who underwent loupe-assisted vasovasostomy with a Prolene stent by a single surgeon between January 2004 and December 2015 were reviewed. The association between the vasal obstructive interval (VOI) and the success rate was evaluated. RESULTS: The average age at the time of vasovasostomy was 39.8 years (range, 29~57 years). The mean VOI was 6.6 years (range, 1~19 years). The mean operation time was 87.0 minutes (range, 55.0~140.0 minutes). The overall patency and natural pregnancy rates were 90.2% and 45.1%, respectively. The success rate decreased as time after vasectomy increased (odds ratio, 0.869; 95% confidence interval, 0.760~0.993; p=0.039). The cases were divided into 2 groups according to the mean VOI: group A (>7 years) and group B (≤7 years), with 31 cases (37.8%) and 51 cases (62.2%), respectively. The patency and pregnancy rates of group A were 80.6% and 51.6%, respectively, while those of group B were 96.1% and 41.2%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Loupe-assisted vasovasostomy using a Prolene stent is a safe and effective method.

What Can We Do for Chronic Scrotal Content Pain?

Chronic scrotal content pain remains one of the more challenging urological problems to manage. This is a frustrating disorder to diagnose and effectively treat for both the patient and clinician, as no universally accepted treatment guidelines exist. Many patients with this condition end up seeing physicians across many disciplines, further frustrating them. The pathogenesis is not clearly understood, and the treatment ultimately depends on the etiology of the problem. This article reviews the current understanding of chronic scrotal content pain, focusing on the diagnostic work-up and treatment options.

Surgical treatment of azoospermia caused by iatrogenic injury to bilateral vas deferens / 中华男科学杂志

<p><b>Objective</b>To investigate the treatment of azoospermia induced by iatrogenic injury to the bilateral vas deferens.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>We retrospectively analyzed 11 cases of azoospermia caused by iatrogenic injury to bilateral vas deferens. The patients were aged 20－33 years, all diagnosed with azoospermia preoperatively and none with a history of pelvic operation. Seven of them had received bilateral inguinal hernia repair and the other 4 undergone bilateral orchidopexy in the childhood.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Intraoperative exploration of the bilateral inguinal region was performed in all the patients. Bilateral vas deference atresia was found in the inguinal canal in 6 cases, which was treated by microscopic vasovasostomy following removal of the atresic segment. Vas deferens residual was observed in or near the deep inguinal ring in the other 5 cases, with the distal vas deferens inaccessible, which was treated by bilateral vasovasostomy in 3 cases and unilateral vasovasostomy in 2 (for longer defect segment than could be anastomosed) following combined laparoscopic exploration of the abdominal cavity. The patients were followed up for 3－12 months postoperatively, during which sperm were detected in 7 cases, with sperm concentration ranging from 0.4×10⁶/ml to 35×10⁶/ml and grade a+b sperm from 15% to 46%.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>For the diagnosis of azoospermia, especially in patients with no history of pelvic operation, special attention should be paid to iatrogenic injury to the vas deferens. For the treatment of the disease, non-tension vasovasostomy is essential and, when necessary, the vas deferens can be reconstructed by changing its anatomical path and shortening its length.</p>

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.

An overview of the management of post-vasectomy pain syndrome / 亚洲男科学杂志(英文版)

Post-vasectomy pain syndrome remains one of the more challenging urological problems to manage. This can be a frustrating process for both the patient and clinician as there is no well-recognized diagnostic regimen or reliable effective treatment. Many of these patients will end up seeing physicians across many disciplines, further frustrating them. The etiology of post-vasectomy pain syndrome is not clearly delineated. Postulations include damage to the scrotal and spermatic cord nerve structures via inflammatory effects of the immune system, back pressure effects in the obstructed vas and epididymis, vascular stasis, nerve impingement, or perineural fibrosis. Post-vasectomy pain syndrome is defined as at least 3 months of chronic or intermittent scrotal content pain. This article reviews the current understanding of post-vasectomy pain syndrome, theories behind its pathophysiology, evaluation pathways, and treatment options.

A feasible ambulatory mini-incision microsurgical vasovasostomy under local anaesthesia using a specially designed double-ringed clamp that simplifies surgery

<p><b>INTRODUCTION</b>In line with the effort to evaluate feasible surgical options for vasectomy reversal and to increase patients' willingness to undergo the procedure, this study reported on a technique for ambulatory mini-incision microsurgical vasovasostomy using a double-ringed clamp (i.e. Moon's clamp). This technique does not require the use of dilators, approximators and other accessory devices.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Ambulatory mini-incision microsurgical vasovasostomy was conducted on 263 patients who satisfied the surgical eligibility requirements for vasovasostomy and the safety criteria for local anaesthesia. The operation time, details on postoperative recovery and results of the postoperative semen analysis were recorded and retrospectively analysed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The mean time used to isolate the bilateral vas deferens was 25.5 minutes. All patients were discharged on the day of surgery and all patients returned to their normal activities within 24-48 hours after surgery. No haematoma or infection occurred except in one patient. Postoperative semen analysis showed that the surgery was successful in 182 (96.8%) of the 188 patients who complied with the postoperative patient instructions.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Ambulatory mini-incision microsurgical vasectomy reversal using Moon's clamp and under local anaesthesia is a surgically feasible option that offers the advantages of a low-risk operation. It also achieves successful vasovasostomy without other accessory devices and allows patients to return to their daily activities quickly with minimal complications.</p>

The Incidence of Fever after Subinguinal Microsurgical Varicocelectomy

PURPOSE: In the present study, we aimed to identify the incidence of fever in patients after subinguinal microsurgical varicocelectomy and to evaluate the clinical factors associated with the occurrence of the fever. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the cases of patients who underwent subinguinal microsurgical varicocelectomy (group A) under spinal anesthesia. In addition, we reviewed the cases of patients who underwent microsurgical vasovasostomy under spinal anesthesia as a control group (group B). The incidence of fever in each group was compared. We investigated the clinical factors influencing the occurrence of fever in the patients of group A. RESULTS: The incidence of fever in group A was significantly higher than that in group B (32.5% [53/163] vs. 0.4% [1/284]; p<0.001). Clinical factors such as age, varicocele grade, weight, height, operation time, number of ligated veins, usage of immediate postoperative analgesics, presence of postoperative hematoma, and duration of hospital stay were not significantly associated with the occurrence of fever. CONCLUSIONS: We found that one-third of the patients developed transient fever after subinguinal microsurgical varicocelectomy, and therefore, this information should be provided during preoperative counseling.

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.

Preoperative Factors Influencing Postoperative Results after Vasovasostomy

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the preoperative factors that influenced postoperative sperm concentration after vasovasostomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 97 consecutive single-layer vasovasostomy procedures performed by a single surgeon between March 2003 and September 2010. The patients were stratified into three groups based on sperm concentration at 1 month follow-up: group I-azoospermia, group II-oligospermia, and group III-normal. We evaluated the preoperative factors that may have influenced sperm concentration at postoperative 1 month. Patients with serial semen analysis were divided into four groups according to the change in postoperative sperm concentration at the 6-month visit: group II-N-from oligospermia to normal, group II-O-from oligospermia to oligospermia, group III-O-from normal to oligospermia, group III-N-from normal to normal. We compared the pregnancy rate among the four groups. RESULTS: The mean obstructive interval was 9.69 years in group I, 6.02 years in group II, and 7.82 years in group III. There were significant differences found among the groups (p=0.035). There was significantly different change in sperm concentration, sperm motility, and sperm morphology between each of the groups. A total of 32 patients underwent serial semen analyses at 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months after vasovasostomy. There was no significant difference in patient age, obstructive interval, or follicle-stimulating hormone among the groups. The natural pregnancy rate in group II-O was lower than that in group II-N, and in group III-O was lower than that in group III-N. However, there was no significant difference among each of the groups. CONCLUSIONS: The sperm concentration after vasovasostomy was significantly related to the obstructive interval between vasectomy and reversal.

Vasovasostomía microquirúrgica posvasectomía: una técnica efectiva y segura / Microsurgical postvasectomy vaso-vasostomy: an effective and safe technique

Introducción: La vasectomía es un procedimiento quirúrgico electivo que pretende obstruir o eliminar un segmento de ambos vasos deferentes. Es actualmente la causa más frecuente de azoospermia obstructiva. Se estima que hasta el 6 por ciento de los hombres que se han sometido a ella desean que sea revertida1. El objetivo del estudio fue presentar una serie de vasovasostomías (VV), y demostrar que constituye una técnica microquirúgica efectiva y segura. Material y métodos: Se han revisado 18 casos de VV practicadas en pacientes con vasectomía previa. Todas estas cirugías fueron realizadas por el mismo cirujano en un periodo de un año. Se registraron datos clínicos preoperatorios relevantes, así como datos del intra y posoperatorio. Se evaluaron los desenlaces con parámetros estándar y validados para esos efectos. Resultados: El seguimiento medio fue de 12 meses (rango 8-17). La edad media de los pacientes fue de 44,5 años (37-56); la edad media de la pareja fue de 30 años (24-43); el tiempo desde la vasectomía8 años (2-21) y la media de hijos previos fue del 2,1 (1-4). En el primer control de espermiograma alos 3 meses de la intervención, 16 de los 17 pacientes presentaron espermios en el recuento (94 por ciento).La concentración media de espermatozoides fue de 25x10

Introduction: Vasectomy is an elective surgical procedure, which aims to obstruct or to eliminate a segment of both vas deferens. It is currently considered the most frequent cause of obstructive azoospermia. It is estimated that up to 6 percent of male who have undergone one, is seeking to have it reversed (1). The target of this study is to present a series of vasovasostomy (VV), and to prove it as an effective and secure microsurgical technique. Material and methods: 18 VV cases of patients with a previous vasectomy have been revised. The same surgeon practiced all surgeries during one year. Relevant clinic data, pre-operatory as well as intra and post operatory, were registered. The outcomes were assessed with standard and validated parameters. Results: The average follow up was 12 months (range 8-17). The patients’ average age was 44,5years (37-56); their partners’ average age was 30 years (24-43); time since vasectomy was 8 years (2-21) and the mean of previous children was 2,1 (1-4). 16 out of 17 patients (94 percent) had sperm in the ejaculate at 3 months following the procedure with a mean sperm concentration of 25x10

Patência e gravidez após vasovasostomia / Patency and pregnancy after vasovasostomy

A vasovasostomia consiste no reparo microcirúrgico da via seminal pela reanastomose do ducto deferente e/ou epidídimo. É solicitada por até 6% dos pacientes submetidos à vasectomia como uma forma de restaurar a fertilidade masculina. Os objetivos da pesquisa foram determinar a taxa de patência e gravidez após vasovasostomia e determinar a média de idade dos pacientes submetidos à cirurgia, analisando-os de acordo com apatência. O estudo é transversal, retrospectivo. Foram analisadas as fichas de 42 pacientes, operados no período de agosto de 1997 a julho de 2007(9 anos e 11 meses) pelo mesmo cirurgião e acompanhados por no mínimo 24 meses após a vasovasostomia. A taxa de gravidez das parceiras foi de 54,8% e a patência de 81,0%, ocorrendo gravidez em 67,6% dos casos com patência positiva. A idade média variou entre 40,25 (3 anos ou menos devasectomia) a 50,33 anos (15 anos ou mais de vasectomia). Os pacientes mais jovens (<40 anos) apresentaram maiores taxas de patência. O tempo médio entre a vasectomia e a vasovasostomia foi de 8,71 anos, predominando o período entre 3 e 9 anos (50% dos casos).

The vasovasostomy consists on microsurgical repair of seminal tract by reanastomosis of vas deferens and/or epididymis. About 6% of the patient ssubmitted to vasectomy require the surgery to restore fertility. The objectives of this paper are to determine the rates of patency and pregnancy, andthe mean age according to the patency. This is a retrospective cross-sectional study. Data consisted of the records of 42 patients that underwent vasovasostomy (performed by the same surgeon) on the period between August 1997 and July 2007 (9 years and 11 months) and were followed by at least 24 months after vasovasostomy. The pregnancy rate was 54.8% and the patency was 81%, occurring pregnancy on 67.6% of the patients with positive patency. Age ranged from 40.25 (3 years or less of vasectomy) to 50.33 years (15 years or more of vasectomy). Younger patients (<40 years) had better patency rates. The mean time between vasectomy and vasovasostomy was 8.71 years, with predominance of the period between 3 and 9 years after the surgery (50% of the cases).