Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 13, 2026

Vessel-Sparing Microsurgical Longitudinal Intussusception Vasoepididymostomy to Treat Epididymal Obstructive Azoospermia
Published on: May 27, 2022
[Sonographic features and clinical significance of transrectal ultrasonography in obstructive azoospermia]
Rong-pei Wu1, Chun-hua Deng, Hui Liang
1Department of Urology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, China.
Objective:
To investigate the ultrasonographic features of obstructive azoospermia and to evaluate transrectal ultrasonography in the diagnosis of the disease.
Methods:
We performed transrectal ultrasonography for 248 patients with obstructive azoospermia, observed the sonographic features of the prostate gland, seminal vesicle and ejaculatory duct.
Results:
The average volume of the prostate gland of the studied group was 13.2 ml. A total of 111 cases showed normal sonographic features, 39 cases bilateral seminal vesicle defect, 33 cases bilateral seminal vesicle aplasia, 23 cases unilateral seminal vesicle defect and contralateral seminal vesicle aplasia, 28 cases bilateral and 14 cases unilateral seminal vesicle dilatation. Of the 42 cases of seminal vesicle dilatation, 18 had ejaculatory duct dilatation and 17 had cysts in the midline of the prostate.
Conclusion:
Obstructive azoospermia varies in kind. Transrectal ultrasonography can reveal the details of the prostate, seminal vesicle and ejaculatory duct and help to classify obstructive azoospermia and determine the location of the lesion.
Related Concept Videos
Imaging Studies II: Ultrasonography
Ultrasonography
During an ultrasonography procedure, a handheld device called a...
Infertility in Males
Urodynamic Studies: Uroflowmetry
Disorders of the Male Reproductive System
Prostate disorders are another major concern. These conditions can impair urinary flow due to the prostate's location around the urethra. Symptoms...

