Innervation of the vas deferens and its importance for vasectomy and vasovasostomy

The histotopographic localization of the nerves of the vas deferens was studied in dogs. The nerves of the vas are concentrated at two poles. A vasectomy with a nerve-sparing technique and a conventional vasectomy were performed in two groups of dogs. 5 months later all dogs underwent vasovasostomy. The intact nerve supply after vasectomy was controlled by electrophysical measurement. Sperm evaluation and morphological findings are compared and the advantages of a nerve-sparing technique demonstrated. The proliferative capacity of the epithelial layer of the vas deferens has to be considered in operations on the vas.