Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 17, 2026
Clinical Application of 24 G Cannula Needle and 3-0 Polypropylene Suture in Vas Deferens Exploration
Published on: February 10, 2023
Laparoscopic retrieval of retroperitoneal vas deferens in vasovasostomy for postinguinal herniorrhaphy obstructive
Harris M Nagler1, Beth A Belletete, Eric Gerber
1Department of Urology, Beth Israel Medical Center, New York, New York, USA.
Objective:
Iatrogenic injury to the vas deferens is a well-documented complication of inguinal hernia repair. Recently obstruction related to the use of polypropylene mesh for hernia repair has been reported. We describe a case using laparoscopy to mobilize the retroperitoneal vas and deliver it to the healthy vas proximal to the vas trapped in the cicatrix induced by mesh thus allowing a tension-free microsurgical repair.
Design:
Case report.
Setting:
Outpatient male infertility practice.
Patient(S):
Obstructed azoospermic men with polypropylene mesh.
Intervention(S):
Laparoscopic retrieval of retroperitoneal vas segment for primary microsurgical anastomosis.
Main Outcome Measure(S):
Patency of vas and presence of sperm.
Result(S):
A tension-free, patent anastomosis was performed.
Conclusion(S):
Polypropylene mesh-induced fibrosis of the vas deferens can result in obstructive azospermia. Laparoscopy can be used to permit a microsurgical bypass of the obstructed segment.
