Microsurgical vasovasostomy

Up to 6% of men who have undergone vasectomy will ultimately elect for reversal in the form of vasovasostomy or vasoepididymostomy for various reasons. Vasovasostomy performed to regain fertility is a technique that has undergone numerous advances during the last century, including the use of microsurgical equipment and principles to construct a meticulous anastomosis, it is important during vasovasostomy to ensure good blood supply to the anastomosis as well as to build as a tension-free anastomosis. Visual inspection to ensure healthy mucosa and inner muscularis as well as atraumatic handling of tissues is helpful. With vasovasostomy, it is essential to creat a watertight anastomosis to prevent secondary scar formation. The microdot technique of vasovasostomy allows for markedly discrepant lumens to be brought together more precisely. Thereby, the planning is separated from suture placement, which prevents dog-ears and avoids subsequent leaks. In the age of in vitro fertilization （IVF）/intracytoplasmic sperm injection （ICSI）, it becomes even more important to clarify outcomes after vasectomy reversals, as patients now have a choice between surgical sperm retrieval coupled with IVF/ICSI versus vasectomy reversal. Little data on long-term outcomes for vasectomy reversals exist. Therefore, further research in this field needs to evaluate the rate of late failures and the predictors of late failures.

Sperm function tests after vasovasostomy

Aim: To evaluate the sperm function after vasovasostomy. Methods: Semen samples from 42 subjects aftervasovasostomy (Group A: 1-6 months, Group B: 6-12 months; Group C: 12-18 months after vasectomy rever-sal) were investigated. Semen from 34 normal fertile men was used as controls. Sperm function tests, including hypo-osmotic swelling test (HOST), acridine orange (AO) fluorescence, acrosome reaction (triple-stain), cervical mucuspenetration test (CMPT), etc were done. Results: After vasectomy reversal, the percentage of HOST was signifi-cantly lower than that of the normal fertile men. In regard to AO, there were no significant differences between thethree vasovasostomy groups and between these 3 groups and the controls. With triple-stain, the percentage of normalacrosome reaction was significantly lower in Group A as compared with the controls, but not in Groups B and C. Therewere no significant differences in the results of CMPT between the vasovasostomy groups and the controls. However,the number of 'poor' type was significantly higher in Groups A and C than in the controls; the percentage of 'nega-tive' type were higher in Groups A and B than in the controls. Conclusion: After vasovasostomy a lower level ofHOST remained for one year and gradually recovered after one year. Six months after vasectomy reversal, the percent-age of acrosome reaction could be changed from lower level to normal range. The data of AO indicated that the geneticmaterial (double-stranded DNA) in spermatozoa was not affected by vasovasostomy. To evaluate the result of CMPTafter vasectomy reversal, not only the normal results but also the abnormal results ('poor' and 'negative' types)should also be considered.Aim: To evaluate the sperm function after vasovasostomy. Methods: Semen samples from 42 subjects aftervasovasostomy (Group A: 1-6 months, Group B: 6-12 months; Group C: 12-18 months after vasectomy rever-sal) were investigated. Semen from 34 normal fertile men was used as controls. Sperm function tests, including hypo-osmotic swelling test (HOST), acridine orange (AO) fluorescence, acrosome reaction (triple-stain), cervical mucuspenetration test (CMPT), etc were done. Results: After vasectomy reversal, the percentage of HOST was signifi-cantly lower than that of the normal fertile men. In regard to AO, there were no significant differences between thethree vasovasostomy groups and between these 3 groups and the controls. With triple-stain, the percentage of normalacrosome reaction was significantly lower in Group A as compared with the controls, but not in Groups B and C. Therewere no significant differences in the results of CMPT between the vasovasostomy groups and the controls. However,the number of 'poor' type was significantly higher in Groups A and C than in the controls; the percentage of 'nega-tive' type were higher in Groups A and B than in the controls. Conclusion: After vasovasostomy a lower level ofHOST remained for one year and gradually recovered after one year. Six months after vasectomy reversal, the percent-age of acrosome reaction could be changed from lower level to normal range. The data of AO indicated that the geneticmaterial (double-stranded DNA) in spermatozoa was not affected by vasovasostomy. To evaluate the result of CMPTafter vasectomy reversal, not only the normal results but also the abnormal results ('poor' and 'negative' types)should also be considered.Aim: To evaluate the sperm function after vasovasostomy. Methods: Semen samples from 42 subjects aftervasovasostomy (Group A: 1-6 months, Group B: 6-12 months; Group C: 12-18 months after vasectomy rever-sal) were investigated. Semen from 34 normal fertile men was used as controls. Sperm function tests, including hypo-osmotic swelling test (HOST), acridine orange (AO) fluorescence, acrosome reaction (triple-stain), cervical mucuspenetration test (CMPT), etc were done. Results: After vasectomy reversal, the percentage of HOST was signifi-cantly lower than that of the normal fertile men. In regard to AO, there were no significant differences between thethree vasov

Multiple Factors Affecting Human Repregnancy after Microsurgical Vasovasostomy

To determine the factors which might affect the recovery of fertility after an accurate microsurgical vasovasostomy, we conducted α 3-year-follow up study in 56 men after microsurgical vasovasostomy. Twenty-two variables as putative factors associated with recovery of fertility were measured. The results of Logistic regression and other statistical analyses suggest that 8 factors including age of husband, age of wife, history of past pregnancies of current wife, number of vasovasostomies, serum FSH, LH and T before vasovasostomy, and sperm granuloma of vas nodule are of no significance in recovery of fertility, whereas 14 factors including years after vasectomy, sperm concentration, progressive motility, sperm motility, viability, normal morphology, sperm-egg penetration rate, TAT and SIT before-and-after vasovasostomy, MAR, IBT adherent IgG and IgA after vasovasostomy are significantly associated with repregnancy.

Microsurgical vasovasostomy:An option for men with post vasectomy psychological distress

Vasectomy is a practical and straightforward approach to birth control.This paper presented a 31-year-old patient who desired to restore his fertility five years after being vasectomized.He met several obstacles.He developed severe psychological distress with symptoms of stress,anxiety,and aggression.He underwent microsurgical vasovasostomy,and vassal patency was confirmed by return of spermatozoa in semen samples 6 and 10 weeks after surgery,and symptoms of psychological distress disappeared.Preoperative vasectomy counseling should include information about vasectomy reversal.At the most,vasectomy reversal can be considered in selected men with psychological problems due to vasectomy.Microsurgical training should be offered to more urological surgeons,especially those who are interested in andrology.

3D digital image microscope system-assisted vasovasostomy and vasoepididymostomy in rats

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.

Male infertility microsurgical training

Microsurgical training is imperative for urologists and clinical andrologists specializing in male infertility. Success in male infertility microsurgery is heavily dependent on the surgeon＇s microsurgical skills. Laboratory-based practice to enhance microsurgical skills improves the surgeon＇s confidence, and reduces stress and operating time, benefiting both the patient and the surgeon. This review provides guidelines for setting up a microsurgical laboratory to develop and enhance microsurgical skills using synthetic and animal models. The role of emerginE techniaues, such as robotic-assisted microsureerv, is also discussed.

Morphological changes of spermatozoa in proximal vas deferens after vasectomy

Aim: To investigate the morphological changes of spermatozoa in the proximal vas deferens after vasectomy.Methods: Proximal vas deferens fluids were collected from 79 fertile men (group A) and 64 vasectomized men (groupB) during the operations of vasectomy or vasovasostomy. Sperm morphology in the proximal vas deferens wasanalyzed after staining with the modified Papanicolaou method. Results: The percentage of spermatozoa with anormal oval head from group B (50.7 % ± 21.7 % ) was significantly lower than that of group A (75.2 % ±11.1%). The data in group A was similar to those of normal semen and therefore represents the physiologicalcondition of the proximal vas deferens sperm of fertile men. There were no significant differences in the percentages ofnormal oval heads in group B with the time since vasectomy. Conclusion: After vasectomy, the spermatozoa in theproximal vas deferens and epididymis were continuously degenerating and being replenished by spermatozoa comingfrom testis. The obvious morphological degeneration occurred in the sperm tail and spermatozoa with a small oval headand amorphous heads were increased.

Influence of reproductive tract obstruction on expression ）f epididymal proteins and their restoration after patency

Vasectomy is a simple and reliable method of male contraception. A growing number of men after vasectomy request vasectomy reversal due to various reasons. The pregnancy rate is lower than the patency rate after vasovasostomy and the pregnancy rate is time dependent. In this study, we evaluated the influence of reproductive tract obstruction on expression of epididymal proteins and their restoration after patency. Adult male Wistar rats were studied 30, 60 and 120 days after vasectomy, 30 days after vasovasostomy or after sham operations. Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis, mass-spectrometric technique, multidatabase search, Western blotting and real-time PCR were used to analyze the expression regulation of epididymal proteins. Total integrated intensity and total spot area of autoradiograms showed a consistent downward trend with time after obstruction, and this trend remained after patency. The intensity of the autoradiographic spots in three patency groups showed three trends： a downward trend, similar intensity and an upward trend compared with the correspondent obstruction group, respectively. Further verified experiments on human epididymis 2 （HE2）, fertilization antigen-1 （FA-1）, clusterin and PH20 demonstrated that compared with the correspondent obstruction group, the translation levels of HE2 and the mRNA transcription levels of HE2 showed an upward trend in patency groups, especially in the groups of obstruction for 60 days where the expression levels of HE2 were significantly upregulated after patency （P〈O.05）. Reproductive tract obstruction provokes a disregulation of gene expression in the epididymis and this disregulation remained after patency. Successful reversal may recover some proteins and the recovery is time dependent, Obstruction differentially alters mRNA transcription of different proteins and the content of proteins seemed to be easier to be influenced than the gene transcription.

Vasectomy reversal: A review of the evaluation, techniques, and outcomes

This review highlights the evaluation and treatment of men who have undergone vasectomy and desire vasectomy reversal to father children. For surgeons offering this treatment, the appropriate evaluation and treatment are crucial for acceptable outcomes. Although variations on surgical approaches have evolved over the years, one constant is the need for a high level o training and skill in microsurgical techniques.

Robotic-assisted microsurgery in andrology: a systematic review

Robot-assisted surgery is the gold standard of treatment in many fields of urology. In this systematic review, we aim to reportits usage in andrology and to evaluate any advantages. A systematic search of the PubMed and Cochrane Library databases wasconducted to identify articles referring to robotic-assisted microsurgery in andrology. The search strategy was in line with thePreferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines and the Cochrane Handbook. Thearticles were then reviewed by two authors. A qualitative analysis of the articles that met the inclusion criteria was performed.Thirty-one articles that met the inclusion criteria were reviewed. The first results for robot-assisted vasovasostomy (RAVV) areencouraging as excellent patency rates, short operative times, and learning curves were achieved. Interestingly, patency rates weregreater in some case series for RAVV than for microsurgical vasovasostomy, with a statistically significant difference. In addition,robot has been shown to be of great use in bypassing fibrotic changes in cases of iatrogenic vasal injuries, difficulties encounteredwith traditional microsurgery. In addition, the feasibility of robot-assisted microsurgery has been proven for varicocelectomy andmicrosurgical denervation of the spermatic cord, with acceptable improvement in sperm parameters and pain, respectively. Thecurrent evidence suggests that there are potential advantages of the use of robots in andrology. However, for robotic surgery tobecome incorporated into the daily use of the andrologists, large, multicenter randomized trials are needed. As robotics systemsare becoming standard in urology practice, it is reasonable for one to believe that they will also find their place in andrology.

High ligation of the hernia sac in open nonmesh inguinal herniorrhaphy is an important cause of iatrogenic vas deferens injury

Vasectomy damage is a common complication of open nonmesh hernia repair.This study was a retrospective analysis of the characteristics and possible causes of vas deferens injuries in patients exhibiting unilateral or bilateral vasal obstruction caused by open nonmesh inguinal herniorrhaphy.The site of the obstructed vas deferens was intraoperatively confirmed.Data,surgical methods,and patient outcomes were examined.The Anderson–Darling test was applied to test for Gaussian distribution of data.Fisher’s exact test or Mann–Whitney U test and unpaired t-test were used for statistical analyses.The mean age at operation was 7.23(standard deviation[s.d.]:2.09)years and the mean obstructive interval was 17.72(s.d.:2.73)years.Crossed(n=1)and inguinal(n=42)vasovasostomies were performed.The overall patency rate was 85.3%(29/34).Among the 43 enrolled patients(mean age:24.95[s.d.:2.20]years),73 sides of their inguinal regions were explored.The disconnected end of the vas deferens was found in the internal ring on 54 sides(74.0%),was found in the inguinal canal on 16 sides(21.9%),and was found in the pelvic cavity on 3 sides(4.1%).Location of the vas deferens injury did not significantly differ according to age at the time of hernia surgery(≥12 years or<12 years)or obstructive interval(≥15 years or<15 years).These results underscore that high ligation of the hernial sac warrants extra caution by surgeons during open nonmesh inguinal herniorrhaphy.

Vasectomy reversal： a clinical update

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.