Peroperative irrigation of the vas deferens during vasectomy

In 59 consecutive vasectomies for the purpose of sterilization, one-half, chosen by random numbers, received an irrigation of the vas deferens with 40 ml of sterile water on each side. Afterwards, the men sent in every fourth ejaculation, until two consecutive samples were without spermatozoa. The postoperative sperm samples were examined microscopically without knowing whether the man belonged to the treated group or the control group. The irrigation procedure did not shorten the time needed to reach azoospermia.