Vasovasostomy - A 15-year experience

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the results of vasovasostomies perf ormed in the authors' clinic over 15 years. Material and methods: Between 1983 and 1998 39 vasovasostomies were perform ed using a microscopic technique. The medical charts were reviewed and a po stal survey was sent to 36 of these patients. The patients were invited to visit the outpatient department and to give semen for analysis and a blood sample for determination of serum antisperm antibodies and serum follicle-s timulating hormone. Twenty-five patients filled in the questionnaire and 10 patients were obtained for further semen and serum analyses. Results: The overall pregnancy rate was 56% (14/25 respondents). Three of t hese 14 men used an assisted reproduction method with their own ejaculated sperm. The postoperative patency was recorded in the medical charts only sp oradically. The age and the interval between the vasectomy and vasectomy re versal averaged 42 years and 8.6 years, respectively. Those men who could f ather a child had a somewhat shorter mean obstructive interval than those w ho failed (8.0 vs 9.3 years), although the difference was not statistically significant in this small patient sample. The serum follicle-stimulating h ormone concentrations were normal, with no association with the pregnancy r ate. Conclusion: Macroscopic vasovasostomy is an effective means of re-establish ing fertility in vasectomized men.