Examinations of polyvidone-iodine as an irrigation solution for spermatic duct occlusions

In vitro experiments with human sperm as well as animal experiments were carried out to test the applicability of polyvidone-iodine as an irrigation solution for spermatic duct occlusions. The substance polyvidone-iodine was initially chosen on the basis of spermiograms because of its ability to immobilize spermatozoa, and then its spermicidal effect was clearly proven by means of eosin vital staining. The aim of the animal experiments was to examine the substance for possible histotoxic side effects and to ascertain the retention of residual sperm in the ampulla area of the vas deferens. Polyvidone-iodine fulfills all the required criteria as an irrigation solution: it is definitely spermicidal with no long-term histotoxic side effects; in addition, it acts as a disinfectant and is easily obtainable as well as inexpensive. Postoperative azoospermia is attained in animal experiments after four weeks at the most.