title: Patency following microsurgical vasoepididymostomy and vasovasostomy: temporal considerations.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  We evaluate the temporal parameters of patency following vasoepididymostomy and vasovasostomy.
  
  
  METHODS
  A series of consecutive and concurrent vasoepididymostomies (100) and vasovasostomies (100) performed by a single surgeon (M. G.) was reviewed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Patency rates following vasoepididymostomy and vasovasostomy were 65% and 99%, respectively (p < 0.001). Motile sperm were observed at a mean of 5.8 +/- 0.8 months (standard error) following vasoepididymostomy and 2.1 +/- 0.2 months following vasovasostomy (p < 0.01). Late failure rates were 21% for vasoepididymostomy and 12% for vasovasostomy. Pregnancy rates following vasoepididymostomy and vasovasostomy were 21% and 52%, respectively.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Patency is rapid following vasovasostomy but requires 12 or more months following vasoepididymostomy. Intervention for azoospermia is appropriate 6 months after vasovasostomy and 1 year after vasoepididymostomy. Intraoperative cryopreservation of sperm in men undergoing vasoepididymostomy and postoperatively in all men with motile sperm will maximize fertility options.
mesh_terms: D000714:Anastomosis, Surgical; D004822:Epididymis / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008866:Microsurgery; D011247:Pregnancy / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D013081:Sperm Motility; D013997:Time Factors; D014649:Vas Deferens / Q000601:surgery*; D014669:Vasovasostomy