Vas deferens endoscopy (vasoscopy): a new diagnostic tool?
OBJECTIVE
To assess whether an experimental endoscopic study of the vasa deferentia is feasible.


METHODS
Endoscopic study of the seminal tracts was carried out during three vasectomies performed prior to open prostatectomy. A flexible endoscope, 0.56 mm in diameter, with a depth of field of 5 mm and a 3000 fiberoptic light source was used for the procedure.


RESULTS
Endoscopy was possible for the inguinoscrotal segment of the vas deferens. The curvature at the opening of the internal inguinal ring proved impassable.


CONCLUSIONS
Endoscopy of the vas deferens is possible with a 0.56-mm flexible endoscope, but because of the extreme curvature of the vas at the inguinal ring, the complete vas cannot be evaluated in an antegrade manner.
Carmignani
Luca
L
Urology Unit, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Mangiagalli e Regina Elena, Milan, Italy. luca.carmignani@unimi.it
Montanari
Emanuele
E
Gadda
Franco
F
Bozzini
Giorgio
G
Rocco
Francesco
F
Colpi
Giovanni Maria
GM
D004724:Endoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D014649:Vas Deferens / Q000473:pathology*; D014659:Vasectomy