Experimental studies on the functional capacity of the alloplastic spermatocele (Kelâmi-Affeld prosthesis)

An alloplastic spermatocele is implanted to obtain spermatozoa from the epididymis. It is known that, in an alloplastic spermatocele, spermatozoa deteriorate qualitatively and quantitatively as the time interval after implantation increases. 39 Kelâmi-Affeld alloplastic spermatoceles were implanted at the epididymal heads in minipigs. Castration and pathological-anatomical examination of the specimens were performed weeks to months after the operation. It became evident that fibrosis and granulation tissue in the area of the incised epididymal head with occlusion of the opened epididymal tubuli were the causes of aspermia developing in all cases. Apart from normal wound healing, there is additional formation of fibrosis and granulation tissue due to postoperative microbleeding and inflammatory reactions. It may be possible to reduce these complications by microsurgical techniques.