[Reconstructive microsurgery of the vas deferens. Experimental study of suture materials]

Microsurgery is the procedure of choice for vasectomy reversal. The aim of this study was two compare two different suture materials for vasovasectomy - a nonresorbable material (nylon 10/0 with a BV 6 needle), which is widely used, and a resorbable material (polyglycolic acid, also with a BV 6 needle), which has not yet been evaluated for this use. 28 Sprague-Dawley rats were operated on under microscope. Two groups were then compared, group A with nylon (n = 14) and group B with polyglycolic acid (n = 14). In each group, 8 animals had a vas deferens section and 6 had a previous vasectomy by ligature. Ten days postoperatively, the patency rate of the anastomosis was evaluated by the presence of sperm on both sides of the suture line. The contractility was assessed by mechanical stimulation. The existence of a sperm granuloma was considered as indicative of a non functional anastomosis. Three days later a fertility test was performed, lasting three months, and the number of litters was checked. The rats were sacrificed after three months, and each vas deferens was examined histologically or by electron microscope. The macroscopic results were: 57% patent anastomoses in group A and 77% in group B. 16% patent anastomoses after ligature in group A (n = 6) and 75% in group B (n = 6). The pregnancy rate was 54% in group A and 77% in group B. After previous ligation, the corresponding figures were 20% and 83% respectively.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)