Vasovasostomy--a 15-year experience

This study aimed to evaluate the results of vasovasostomies performed in the authors' clinic over 15 years.

Between 1983 and 1998 39 vasovasostomies were performed using a macroscopic technique. The medical charts were reviewed and a postal survey was sent to 36 of these patients. The patients were invited to visit the outpatient department and to give semen for analysis and a blood sample for determination of serum antisperm antibodies and serum follicle-stimulating hormone. Twenty-five patients filled in the questionnaire and 10 patients were obtained for further semen and serum analyses.

The overall pregnancy rate was 56% (14/25 respondents). Three of these 14 men used an assisted reproduction method with their own ejaculated sperm. The postoperative patency was recorded in the medical charts only sporadically. The age and the interval between the vasectomy and vasectomy reversal averaged 42 years and 8.6 years, respectively. Those men who could father a child had a somewhat shorter mean obstructive interval than those who failed (8.0 vs 9.3 years), although the difference was not statistically significant in this small patient sample. The serum follicle-stimulating hormone concentrations were normal, with no association with the pregnancy rate.

Macroscopic vasovasostomy is an effective means of re-establishing fertility in vasectomized men.