title: Vas deferens endoscopy (vasoscopy): a new diagnostic tool?
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Urology Unit, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Mangiagalli e Regina Elena, Milan, Italy. luca.carmignani@unimi.it
authors.forename: Luca
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Carmignani
authors.forename: Emanuele
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Montanari
authors.forename: Franco
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Gadda
authors.forename: Giorgio
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Bozzini
authors.forename: Francesco
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Rocco
authors.forename: Giovanni Maria
authors.initials: GM
authors.lastname: Colpi
mesh_terms: D004724:Endoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D014649:Vas Deferens / Q000473:pathology*; D014659:Vasectomy