Unilateral obstruction of the vas deferens diagnosed by seminal vesicle aspiration

Causes of vasal obstruction include vasectomy, inguinal surgery, scrotal surgery, and congenital anomalies. The incidence of unilateral obstruction in various clinical situations is unknown because sperm from the contralateral testicle usually is present in the ejaculate. Vasography is the standard technique used to diagnose a unilateral vas deferens obstruction. We used the technique of seminal vesicle aspiration to accurately diagnose unilateral vas deferens obstruction in a man who had a previous inguinal hernia repaired with mesh. Surgical exploration confirmed the impression of vasal obstruction, and successful vasovasostomy was performed. We believe that seminal vesicle aspiration may be helpful in the diagnosis of unilateral vas deferens obstruction and has potential benefits over vasography.