Transurethral seminal vesiculoscopy using a 6F vesiculoscope for ejaculatory duct obstruction: initial experience

J Androl. 2012 Jul-Aug;33(4):637-43. doi: 10.2164/jandrol.111.013912. Epub 2011 Nov 17.

Abstract

Ejaculatory duct obstruction (EDO) is a surgically correctable condition that occurs in some infertile men. The standard therapy is transurethral resection of ejaculatory ducts (TURED). However, TURED has been associated with a high risk of complications, including the impairment of semen parameters and retrograde ejaculation. In our clinical practice, vesiculoscopy has demonstrated potential as a minimally invasive alternative technique for the diagnosis and treatment of EDO. Very few studies have examined transurethral seminal vesiculoscopy (TRU-SVS) in recent years, and no study has examined 6F vesiculoscopes. Therefore, we performed a retrospective study of TRU-SVS using a 6F vesiculoscope and its effect on the diagnosis and treatment of EDO. A total of 21 patients who underwent this procedure were included in the study. The mean patient age was 28.8 years (range, 23-36 years). The procedure was completed successfully in all patients within a mean time of 31.5 minutes and a mean hospital stay of 1.17 days. All patients had EDO. Calculi were found in the ejaculatory ducts or in the seminal vesicles of 5 patients. Sperm was detected in 11 patients 1-3 months postsurgery and in another 8 patients 3-12 months postsurgery. No sperm was detected in the remaining 2 patients by 12 months postsurgery. Epididymitis, retrograde ejaculation, urinary incontinence, and rectal injury were not observed. These data indicate that TRU-SVS using a 6F vesiculoscope affords direct access to the seminal vesicle and offers the advantages of fewer complications and more optimal sperm recovery as well as direct, dynamic video imaging.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Calculi / surgery
  • Constriction, Pathologic / complications
  • Ejaculatory Ducts / surgery
  • Endoscopy / methods*
  • Genital Diseases, Male / etiology*
  • Genital Diseases, Male / surgery
  • Humans
  • Infertility, Male / etiology
  • Infertility, Male / surgery
  • Male
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Seminal Vesicles / diagnostic imaging
  • Seminal Vesicles / pathology*
  • Ultrasonography