Comparison of macroscopic one-layer over number 1 nylon suture vasovasostomy with the standard two-layer microsurgical procedure

Abstract

Objective: To compare the outcomes of macroscopic one-layer vasovasostomy (MOLVV) with those of two-layer microsurgical vasovasostomy (TLMVV). Methods: Standard TLMVV was performed in 112 men (Group 1), while MOLVV was performed in 94 patients. All of the MOLVVs were performed with number 1 nylon suture as a temporary stent. The outcome measures were as follows: patency rate, pregnancy rate, operation time, total procedure cost, and complications. Results: The mean operation duration was 114 +/- 10 min for the TLMVV technique, and 74 +/- 5 min for the MOLVV procedure (P = 0.024). In patients who underwent vasal patency at 6-month postoperative period, the median sperm density (10(6)/mL) was 28.3 and 27.7 in Groups 1 and 2, respectively (P = 0.62). At the same time, the median total motile sperm count (x10(6)) was 39.4 and 32.6 in two-layer microsurgical and one-layer macroscopic groups, respectively (P = 0.47). Patency rates were 82.1% in Group 1 and 77.7% in Group 2, which were not significantly different (P = 0.21). The pregnancy rate was 28.4% for patients in Group 1 and 26.7% for patients in Group 2 (P = 0.38). Conclusions: There were no significant differences in terms of patency and pregnancy rates between MOLVV and TLMVV methods, but the MOLVV technique offers a decreased cost and operative time, and a simplified procedure.