Microsurgical vasovasostomy: the microdot technique of precision suture placement

Abstract

Purpose: A technique of vasovasostomy that facilitates precision suture placement is presented.

Materials and methods: The technique involves mapping of the planned suture exit points with "microdots" placed on the cut ends of the vas deferens with a microtip marking pen. Microdots are placed at 12, 3, 6 and 9 o'clock positions. Four additional dots are placed between each of the previous 4 dots. Exactly 8 mucosal sutures (double armed 10-zero monofilament sutures) are used for each anastomosis. The anastomosis is completed with 8 muscularis sutures (9-zero monofilament) and 6 to 8 sutures (6-zero monofilament) approximating the vasal sheath.

Results: In a series of 194 consecutive vasovasostomy procedures using this technique a patency rate of 99.5% was achieved. Pregnancy rates of 54% (crude) and 64% (excluding female factor infertility) were observed for the first 100 subjects of this cohort.

Conclusions: The microdot technique ensures precision suture placement and facilitates the anastomosis of lumens of discrepant diameters by exact mapping of each planned suture. The microdot method separates the planning from the placement. Patency rates using the microdot technique approach 100%.