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.

Vasectomy reversal in China during the recent decade: insights from a multicenter retrospective investigation / 亚洲男科学杂志(英文版)

To date, there is little information about the demography of vasectomy reversal (VR) patients or the factors currently influencing VR effectiveness in China, especially after the universal two-child policy was released in 2015. In this research, demographic data and perioperative medical records of VR patients were extracted from seven major hospitals in different provinces or municipalities of China. Meanwhile, a telephone survey of the patients was conducted to collect follow-up information. Eventually, 448 VR cases from the past 13 years were included. The results were analyzed by stratified comparison to investigate factors that can influence postoperative vas deferens patency and pregnancy rate. Appropriately statistical methods were used, and all of the protocols were approved by the Ethics Committees of the institutes in this research. The results showed that the annual operation volume of VR quadrupled after the two-child policy was implemented. Nonmicrosurgery and a long duration of vasectomy were significantly associated with a lower patency rate. A follow-up survey showed that the general postoperative pregnancy rate was 27.2%. For female partners over the age of 35 years, the postoperative pregnancy rate showed a more severe decline, but only 35.5% of them had been given a fertility examination before their husbands' VR surgery. Our work revealed that more patients in China have been demanding VR in recent years. High-quality microsurgery and a short duration of vasectomy are crucial for restoring patency by VR. Clinical andrologists should perform a preoperative fertility evaluation of the patients' female partners.

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.

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.

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.

Incidence of Y-chromosome microdeletions in children whose fathers underwent vasectomy reversal or in vitro fertilization with epididymal sperm aspiration: a case-control study / Incidência de microdeleções do cromossomo Y em filhos de pais que passaram por reversão de vasectomia ou fertilização in vitro com aspiração do epidídimo: um estudo caso-controle

ABSTRACT Objective To evaluate the incidence of Y-chromosome microdeletions in individuals born from vasectomized fathers who underwent vasectomy reversal or in vitro fertilization with sperm retrieval by epididymal aspiration (percutaneous epididymal sperm aspiration). Methods A case-control study comprising male children of couples in which the man had been previously vasectomized and chose vasectomy reversal (n=31) or in vitro fertilization with sperm retrieval by percutaneous epididymal sperm aspiration (n=30) to conceive new children, and a Control Group of male children of fertile men who had programmed vasectomies (n=60). Y-chromosome microdeletions research was performed by polymerase chain reaction on fathers and children, evaluating 20 regions of the chromosome. Results The results showed no Y-chromosome microdeletions in any of the studied subjects. The incidence of Y-chromosome microdeletions in individuals born from vasectomized fathers who underwent vasectomy reversal or in vitro fertilization with spermatozoa recovered by percutaneous epididymal sperm aspiration did not differ between the groups, and there was no difference between control subjects born from natural pregnancies or population incidence in fertile men. Conclusion We found no association considering microdeletions in the azoospermia factor region of the Y chromosome and assisted reproduction. We also found no correlation between these Y-chromosome microdeletions and vasectomies, which suggests that the assisted reproduction techniques do not increase the incidence of Y-chromosome microdeletions.

RESUMO Objetivo Avaliar a incidência de microdeleções do cromossomo Y em indivíduos nascidos de pais vasectomizados submetidos à reversão de vasectomia ou fertilização in vitro com recuperação de espermatozoides por aspiração do epidídimo (aspiração percutânea de espermatozoides do epidídimo). Métodos Estudo caso-controle que compreende crianças do sexo masculino de casais em que o homem havia sido previamente vasectomizado e escolheu reversão da vasectomia (n=31) ou fertilização in vitro com recuperação espermática por aspiração percutânea de espermatozoides do epidídimo (n=30) para obtenção de novos filhos, e um Grupo Controle de crianças do sexo masculino de homens férteis com vasectomia programada (n=60). A pesquisa de microdeleções do cromossomo Y foi realizada por reação em cadeia da polimerase nos pais e filhos, avaliando 20 regiões do cromossomo. Resultados O resultado não revelou microdeleções do cromossomo Y em qualquer indivíduo estudado. A incidência de microdeleções do cromossomo Y em indivíduos nascidos de pais vasectomizados que sofreram reversão de vasectomia ou fertilização in vitro com espermatozoides recuperados pela aspiração percutânea de espermatozoides do epidídimo não diferiu entre os grupos, e não houve nenhuma diferença entre indivíduos controle nascidos de gestações naturais ou incidência populacional em homens férteis. Conclusão Não foi encontrada nenhuma associação considerando microdeleções da região do fator de azoospermia no cromossomo Y e reprodução assistida. Não houve correlação entre microdeleções do cromossomo Y e vasectomia, o que sugere que as técnicas de reprodução assistida não aumentam a incidência de microdeleções do cromossomo Y.

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>

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>

Microsurgical treatment of obstructive azoospermia: a report of 76 cases / 中华男科学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the clinical effect of microsurgical vasoepididymostomy and/or vasovasostomy in the treatment of obstructive azoospermia.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>This study included 76 patients with obstructive azoospermia, 53 treated by bilateral vasoepididymostomy (8 involving the epididymal head, 18 involving the epididymal body, 5 involving the epididymal tail, and 22 involving the epididymal head, body and tail), 14 by unilateral vasoepididymostomy, and the other 9 by unilateral vasoepididymostomy + unilateral vasovasostomy (including cross anastomosis). We followed up the patients for 2 to 16 months for the patency rate, routine semen parameters, and pregnancy outcomes.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The success rate of bilateral vasoepididymostomy, unilateral vasoepididymostomy, and unilateral vasoepididymostomy + unilateral vasovasostomy (including cross anastomosis) were 62.26% (33/53), 35.71% (5/14), and 77.78% (7/9), respectively. The average sperm concentrations in the three groups of patients were (27.9 +/- 5.74), (11.8 +/- 8.33), and (19.9 +/- 7.53) x 10(6)/ml, the average total sperm counts were (65.6 +/- 13.71), (28.0 +/- 15.86), and (69.2 +/- 28.59) x 10(6), and the mean rates of progressively motile sperm were (22.3 +/- 3.18), (11.0 +/- 9.77), and (15.8 +/- 5.05)%, respectively. The success rates of bilateral vasoepididymostomy that involved the epididymal head, body, tail, and all the three parts were 62.5, 72.22, 60, and 54.55%, respectively. Natural pregnancy was achieved in 8 (10.53%) of the total number of cases.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Microsurgery is effective for the treatment obstructive azoospermia. Unilateral vasoepididymostomy + unilateral vasovasostomy is superior to the other procedures, followed by bilateral vasoepididymostomy. Bilateral vasoepididymostomy involving the epididymal body may achieve a slightly better effect than that involving the other epididymal parts.</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.

Advances in Surgical Treatment of Male Infertility

A male factor is the only cause of infertility in 30% to 40% of couples. Most causes of male infertility are treatable, and the goal of many treatments is to restore the ability to conceive naturally. Varicoceles are present in 15% of the normal male population and in approximately 40% of men with infertility. Varicocele is the most common cause of male infertility that can be corrected surgically. In males with azoospermia, the most common cause is post-vasectomy status. Approximately 6% of males who undergo vasectomy eventually seek reversal surgery. Success of vasectomy reversal decreases with the number of years between vasectomy and vasovasostomy. Other causes of obstructive azoospermia include epididymal, vasal or ejaculatory duct abnormalities. Epididymal obstruction is the most common cause of obstructive azoospermia. Patients with epididymal obstruction without other anatomical abnormalities can be considered as candidates for vasoepididymostomy. With microsurgical techniques, success of patency restoration can reach 70~90%. In case of surgically uncorrectable obstructive azoospermia, sperm extraction or aspiration for in vitro fertilization is needed. Nonobstructive azoospermia is the most challenging type of male infertility. However, microsurgical testicular sperm extraction may be an effective method for nonobstructive azoospermia patients.