Semen parameters before and after transurethral surgery for ejaculatory duct obstruction

Abstract

Purpose: We examined how transurethral resection of the ejaculatory ducts, performed for infertility, affects semen quality in patients with azoospermia and oligo-asthenospermia.

Materials and methods: A retrospective review was done of 46 cases of transurethral resection of the ejaculatory ducts for ejaculatory duct obstruction, confirmed by transrectal ultrasound. Clinical course and semen quality were assessed by semen parameter indications.

Results: In 65% of the patients transurethral resection of the ejaculatory ducts improved semen quality (greater than a 50% increase in total motile sperm count) and 20% initiated a pregnancy an average of 6.1 months postoperatively. Statistically significant increases in total motile sperm count were achieved in men with azoospermia and those treated for oligo-asthenospermic indications; the improvement also was shown to be sustainable. Complications occurred in 20% of the men.

Conclusions: Significant and durable semen quality improvement can be achieved after transurethral resection of the ejaculatory ducts for all surgical indications. In most unsuccessful cases the reason for failure is unclear.