The use of a newly designed nonabsorbable polymeric stent in reconstructing the vas deferens: a feasibility study in New Zealand white rabbits.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the use of a newly designed stent in the reconstruction of the vas deferens.


METHODS
In 26 New Zealand White rabbits, 13 conventional one-layer microscopic reconstructions were compared with 13 stented reconstructions of the vas deferens. The newly designed nonabsorbable polymeric stent was shaped to facilitate the rejoining of the two loose ends of the vas deferens, using a central ridge to prevent migration. Semen was collected before and after surgery, using an artificial vaginal system (26 samples before and 115 after surgery). The individual and average total sperm count, motility and progressive motile sperm density (PMSD), were compared after surgery for both groups. After the final semen analysis, rabbits were killed and patency was assessed histologically at the site of the anastomosis.


RESULTS
After an initial decline the mean total sperm count increased in both groups. The increase was significantly larger (P = 0.05) in the stented rabbits. The mean motility and PMSD showed no significant differences between both groups (P = 0.11 and 0.71, respectively). Histological examination of the anastomosed area showed partial obstruction (>50% narrowing of the original lumen) in five of the 13 conventionally treated rabbits, with no strictures in the stented group. Despite the narrowing in the conventional group the patency rates were not affected. The mean (range) operating time for the conventional and stented groups was 132 (99-168) and 98 (62-113) min, respectively (P < 0.001).


CONCLUSIONS
The total sperm counts, motility and PMSD showed no or little difference after surgery between the conventional and stented rabbits. The stented reconstruction was easy, had no secondary stricturing and reduced the operating time.
Vrijhof
Eric J
EJ
Department of Urology, Catharina Hospital, Eindhoven, The Netherlands. eric.vrijhof@cze.nl
De Bruine
Adriaan
A
Zwinderman
Aeilko H
AH
Lycklama à Nijeholt
August A B
AA
Koole
Leo H
LH
D000818:Animals; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D008297:Male; D008866:Microsurgery; D011474:Prosthesis Design; D011817:Rabbits; D013081:Sperm Motility; D015607:Stents; D014649:Vas Deferens / Q000601:surgery*; D014669:Vasovasostomy / Q000295:instrumentation*