[Epididymo-deferens anastomosis. Experimental study in the rat]

Fifty Wistar rats underwent right epididymo-deferens anastomosis by microsurgery, 1 to 4 weeks after ligation of the right epididymo-deferens loop. The left testis was removed in the first 32 rats. The others also underwent anastomosis but without prior ligation. Amongst the 25 rats now studied by mating, vaso-epididymography and dye injection, we have found 14 obstructions, 5 cases of permeability without fertilisation and 6 fertile and permeable animals. This series demonstrates for the first time the possibility of success of such anastomosis in the animal. They are designed to replace the classical latero-lateral anastomosis. The latter causes a spermatic granuloma by epididymal fistula. Recanalisation of the granuloma explains the frequency of postoperative oligospermia in patients with normal testes. The first results in man are very encouraging.