[Deferentography under local anaesthesia in male sterility : technique and results (author's transl)]

Abstract

Deferentography was employed during medical and surgical investigations of 44 cases of male sterility. This technique is easily performed in out patients and appears to be inocuous. Radiological signs were normal in 31 cases, and it was possible to evaluate anatomical characteristics and to obtain precise measurements of the vasa deferentia, the ampulla, the seminal vesicles, and the ejaculatory canals. Abnormal findings, present in 13 cases, corresponded to bilateral deferens obstruction of either congenital (agenesis), or acquired (stenosis due to infection or inflammation) origin. The major limitation of this investigational method is that epididymal obstruction cannot be demonstrated.