Irrigation during vasectomy: a comparison between sterile water and the spermicide euflavine

Abstract

In a randomized, double-blind investigation 36 men undergoing sterilization had irrigation of the vas deferens with either sterile water or the spermicide, euflavine, to reduce the lag to sterility. Semen samples were vital stained by the patients shortly after ejaculation and the smears were mailed to the laboratory. Irrigation with the spermicide was significantly more effective than sterile water. However, even in the group irrigated with euflavine 6 to 35 days elapsed before the semen samples were without potentially fertile spermatozoa.

PIP: A randomized double-blind investigation compared the irrigation of vas deferens with sterile water or the spermicide euflavine. The irrigating fluid was either 5 ml 1/00 aqueous euflavine through each vas or 3 times 5 ml sterile water with 1-2 minute intervals through each vas. Then 0.5-1 cm of vas deferens was resected and ligated with 3 zero sutures, and the cut ends of vas were separated by the fascia. Smears from semen samples were mailed every 2 weeks. 2 consecutive azoospermic samples indicated that sterility was achieved and specimens were no longer submitted. Staining was performed by the patient and smears were mailed in airtight plastic bags along with a tablet of dessicating agent. Those spermatozoa which were completely stained red were considered as infertile, while partially stained or unstained spermatozoa were considered as potentially fertile. Irrigation with euflavine was far more effective than with water--the number of days and the number of ejaculations until the last ejaculate with potentially fertile spermatozoa, the 1st ejaculate without potentially fertile spermatozoa, and subsequent azoospermia. The 1st ejaculate without unstained spermatozoa averaged 11 with sterile water and 5.5 with euflavine. The median number of ejaculates to achieve azoospermia was 16 with sterile water and 12 with euflavine. There were no spontaneous recanalizations and there were no complaints indicative of prostato-vesiculitis or hematospermia. With the euflavine, 6-35 days elapsed before semen were without potentially fertile spermatozoa. While it is not ideal, euflavine is more efficient as an irrigating agent.