Vasovasostomy in the rat. Improved technique using absorbable microsuture (polyglycolic acid)

An improved technique for vasovasostomy in the rat is presented. To eliminate the suture crowds that could cause obstruction of the vasal lumen, one deep raw suture technique had been employed using polyglycolic acid (Dexon) microsuture. A total of 62 vasal anastomoses in 48 male Lewis rats was performed, and follow-up to twelve months found no disruption or constriction at the anastomoses. Despite occasional sperm granuloma formation at the anastomotic sites, all anastomoses demonstrated patency. Dexon appears to be suitable for genitourinary tract surgery, at least, in the rat.