Single-Armed Longitudinal Intussusception Vasoepididymostomy in an Ex Vivo Rat Model With Video Demonstration

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Microsurgery
• Surgical Education

Background:

• Microsurgical vasoepididymostomy (VE) requires specialized training.
• Traditional techniques often rely on costly double-armed sutures, limiting practice accessibility.
• A simplified approach can improve training efficiency and reproducibility.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a standardized, step-by-step technique for single-armed longitudinal intussusception vasoepididymostomy (SA-LIVE).
• To demonstrate the SA-LIVE technique using an ex vivo rat testis model for microsurgical skills training.
• To reduce reliance on expensive double-armed sutures in VE training.

Main Methods:

• A step-by-step protocol for SA-LIVE was developed using readily available single-armed 10-0 and 9-0 nylon sutures.
• The technique was demonstrated on an ex vivo rat testis model.
• A video demonstration was created to illustrate the microsurgical nuances and sequence.

Main Results:

• The protocol standardizes the longitudinal intussusception sequence for SA-LIVE.
• The ex vivo model and video demonstration facilitate clear comprehension and reproducibility of the technique.
• This method offers a cost-effective alternative for VE skills training.

Conclusions:

• The SA-LIVE technique provides a reproducible and accessible method for microsurgical training.
• This approach can enhance the learning curve for microsurgical vasoepididymostomy.
• Further adoption of SA-LIVE can improve surgical education in microsurgery.