Modified vasoepididymostomy with simultaneous double needle placement, tubulotomy and tubular invagination.

Abstract

PURPOSE: Recently a new technique for vasoepididymostomy was described which included tubular invagination by the triangulation method with a patency rate of 92%. Although these early data were encouraging, some technical problems were noted with the technique. After placing the first suture there was often tubular leakage and collapse. The tubulotomy was difficult and in some cases a suture was inadvertently cut. A modified technique is presented for vasoepididymostomy with tubular invagination, including some methods described in rat models. Only 2 sutures are used with simultaneous double needle placement. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The 2-suture technique was used on 19 men who had undergone at least 1 vasoepididymostomy during vasectomy reversal procedures. RESULTS: Patency was demonstrated in 7 of 9 men (77.7%) who underwent modified bilateral vasoepididymostomy and 6 of 7 (85.7%) who underwent unilateral vasoepididymostomy and unilateral vasovasostomy. Pregnancies were reported in both groups. The overall operating time for the modified technique was about 35 to 45 minutes per side. CONCLUSIONS: Modified vasoepididymostomy with simultaneous needle placement, tubulotomy and invagination resulted in early patency in a high percentage of patients. Tubular invagination may have advantages compared to other conventional methods of vasoepididymostomy but more followup is needed.