Micro-Denervation of the Spermatic Cord for Post-Vasectomy Pain Management

Post-vasectomy pain syndrome (PVPS) is a challenging problem for the practicing urologist because of its unclear pathophysiology and no clearly established protocol for evaluation or treatment. PVPS is defined as at least 3 months of chronic or intermittent scrotal content pain after a vasectomy procedure once other etiologies for the pain have been ruled out.

To systematically review the current literature on the effectiveness of micro-denervation of the spermatic cord (MDSC) for PVPS.

A systematic literature search using PubMed, Scopus, Medline, Embase, and Cochrane databases for all reports pertaining to PVPS using the Medical Subject Heading terms post vasectomy pain syndrome and micro-denervation of spermatic cord through February 2017.

Scrotal content pain after MDSC for PVPS.

There were nine retrospective studies evaluating MDSC for chronic testicular pain. After omitting repeated series, there were 213 patients who underwent MDSC for chronic orchialgia. Only one study specifically reviewed the outcomes of patients who underwent MDSC for PVPS. In this study, 17 patients underwent MSDC for PVPS, with 13 (76.5%) reporting complete relief of pain at their first follow-up visit. The other four patients had significant improvement in pain and were satisfied with the results. Long-term follow-up data were not available for this study.

MDSC remains a valuable approach with high success rates and should be considered for PVPS that is refractory to medical therapy. MDSC appears to have the most success for patients who experience a temporary relief from a cord block and can significantly improve the patient's quality of life and ability to return to daily activities. Tan WP, Levine LA. Micro-Denervation of the Spermatic Cord for Post-Vasectomy Pain Management. Sex Med Rev 2018;6:328-334.