ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of real-time transrectal ultrasound-guided seminal vesiculoscopy (TRUS-SVS) in the treatment of azoospermia secondary to ejaculatory duct obstruction. METHODS: This retrospective study included 40 cases of azoospermia secondary to bilateral ejaculatory ducts obstruction treated by TRUS-SVS from June 2016 to June 2018 after failure to enter the vesiculoscope through the ejaculatory duct or prostatic utricle. We analyzed the success rate of surgery, operation time, postoperative complications, treatment results, and application value of TRUS-SVS. RESULTS: Real-time TRUS-SVS was successfully performed in 36 (90.0%) of the cases, 33 through bilateral and the other 3 through unilateral seminal vesicle, with a mean operation time of (32.8 ± 16.6) min. Thirty-seven of the cases were followed up for 6ï¼15 (mean 9.3) months, of which sperm were found in 31 at 1ï¼3 months and in 25 at 3ï¼12 months, and pregnancies achieved in 9 cases within 12 months after surgery. No serious complications as retrograde ejaculation, urinary incontinence and rectal injury were observed postoperatively, except 2 cases of epididymitis and 2 cases of hematuria, which were all cured. CONCLUSIONS: For the patients who failed in seminal vesiculoscopy through the ejaculatory duct or prostatic utricle, real-time TRUS-SVS is a recommended procedure with the advantages of a high success rate, less damage to the prostate and rectum, and benefit to the improvement of semen quality.
