Vasectomy reversal and spermatic granuloma: experimental investigation.

The aim of our study was to investigate the healing process after vasectomy reversal, comparing two suturing techniques. Eighty Wistar rats received a two-layer vaso-vasostomy on the right side, and 40 of them also received a single-layer vaso-vasostomy on the left side. Twenty rats each time were sacrificed at 30, 45, 60, and 90 days. Results were evaluated in order to compare the two techniques used and to describe the progression of healing, with special reference to anastomotic patency rate, histologic aspect of the epididymus and testicle, and the presence and size of spermatic granuloma. We observed 45% patency with the double-layer technique compared to 20% with the single-layer technique. The testicle appeared atrophic in 20% of double-layer cases compared to 40% of single-layer cases. Comparison over time showed a progressive increase in patency of the anastomosis, reduction of spermatic granuloma, and regression of testicular damage. Our results show the superiority of the double-layer technique, and contribute to an understanding of the role of two different suturing techniques in the outcome of vasectomy reversal. Copyright 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc.