THE INVAGINATION-METHOD FOR THE MICROSURG ICAL EPIDIDYMOVASOSTOMY - OPERATIVE TECHNIQUE AND EXPERIMENTAL-STUDY OF PATENCY

To improve the results of epididymovasostomy, a technique of invaginat ion of a single epididymal loop into the vas deferens was developed in the rat. The epididymal loop is inserted after its fenestration into the lumen of the vas by pushing the needle with the ends of a U-turn s titch into the lumen and through the vas wall and then tying the ends outside. Compared to the commonly used end-to-side anastomosis, this t echnique proved to be time-saving, showed better patency rates and was easier to learn than the conventional method. In addition, anastomose s at the proximal level of the caput epididymis, as yet not practicabl e due to the small size of the tubules and considered to be technicall y too difficult, can also be performed.