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Vessel-Sparing Microsurgical Longitudinal Intussusception Vasoepididymostomy to Treat Epididymal Obstructive Azoospermia
Published on: May 27, 2022
Intussusception vasoepididymostomy with longitudinal suture placement for idiopathic obstructive azoospermia
Rajeev Kumar1, Satyadip Mukherjee, Narmada P Gupta
1Department of Urology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India. rajeev02@gmail.com
The Journal of Urology
|February 23, 2010
Summary
This study shows that microsurgical vaso-epididymal anastomosis using a longitudinal intussusception technique can restore sperm patency in nearly half of men with obstructive azoospermia within a year.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Reproductive Medicine
- Microsurgery
Background:
- Obstructive azoospermia is a significant cause of male infertility.
- Surgical reconstruction, including vasoepididymostomy, offers a treatment option.
- Previous studies on vasoepididymostomy outcomes often focus on men with prior vasectomy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the outcomes of microsurgical vaso-epididymal anastomosis.
- To assess a specific 2-suture intussusception technique with longitudinal suture placement.
- To determine patency rates in men with idiopathic obstructive azoospermia.
Main Methods:
- Twenty-four men with idiopathic obstructive azoospermia underwent 2-layer vaso-epididymal anastomosis.
- A 2-suture intussusception technique with longitudinal polyamide sutures was employed.
- Sperm return in semen was used to assess anastomosis patency.
Main Results:
- Of 23 men with follow-up, 11 (48%) achieved sperm patency a mean of 6.6 months post-surgery.
- One patient achieved natural conception.
- Motile sperm in epididymal fluid and bilateral surgery correlated with higher patency rates.
Conclusions:
- Longitudinal microsurgical vaso-epididymal anastomosis is effective in restoring sperm patency.
- Approximately 50% of men with idiopathic obstructive azoospermia experienced sperm return within one year.
- This technique offers a viable reconstructive option for male infertility due to obstructive azoospermia.

