Vasectomy-related changes on sonographic examination of the scrotum

The goal of this study was to evaluate the sonographic changes in the epididymis and testis after vasectomy using state-of-the-art high-resolution equipment.

We performed a retrospective study of 30 patients with a history of vasectomy and 30 patients without who were referred for scrotal sonography for various indications over a 1-year period. After excluding findings related to acute pathology, sonographic findings for the epididymis and testis in the 2 groups were tabulated and compared.

The following findings had a statistically higher incidence in the vasectomy group than in the controls: thickened epididymides (53% versus 17%, p < 0.05); epididymal tubular ectasia (43% versus 7%, p < 0.001); and both of the previous 2 findings simultaneously (37% versus 7%, p < 0.01). Sperm granulomas were found in 3 patients in the vasectomy group, and none was seen in the control group. Other findings (eg, epididymal cysts) showed no statistical difference in incidence.

We found a significantly higher incidence of thickened epididymides, epididymal tubular ectasia, a combination of both these findings, and sperm granuloma in the vasectomy group than in the controls. These findings are most likely attributable to postvasectomy obstructive changes and increased intraluminal pressure in the efferent ducts, epididymis, and vas deferens.