Newly developed techniques in andrology: endoscopy of the vas deference and a new imaging technique for in situ localization of vital spermatozoa.

During the past decade, endourology represents the most advanced technology in urology which has provided minimal invasive diagnostic and therapeutic tool for patients with urology diseases. However, because of the much smaller lumen of genital tract, endoscopic andrology remained a dream for andrologists until the first clinical application of vesiculoscopy in laser lithotripsy of seminal vesicle stones in 2006. Lately, Dr Trottmann at Ludwig-Maximilians University, Germany, for the first time established vasoscopy in the seminal duct using a new prototype of a microendoscope and also applied a new imaging technique for in situ localization of vital spermatozoa. These newly developed techniques will greatly speed up the clinical practice of endoandrology.