精囊镜治疗顽固性血精及射精管梗阻的经验初探

目的:探讨应用精囊镜技术处理顽固性血精及射精管梗阻的诊治经验。方法:回顾性分析42例顽固性血精患者及6例射精管梗阻伴无精子症患者的临床资料,探讨此类患者在诊断、治疗及预后的特点。结果:48例患者术前行MRI检查,42例顽固性血精患者中,MRI检查发现单侧或双侧精囊扩张占50.0%(21/42),单侧或双侧精囊内信号异常59.5%(25/42),精囊扩张合并精囊内信号异常28.6%(12/42),精囊区域无明显病变9.5%(4/42)。6例射精管梗阻患者,3例精囊宽度1 cm,偏小;3例显示双侧精囊扩张,精囊内未见异常信号。42例顽固性血精患者均顺利探及精囊,6例射精管梗阻患者中3例探及精囊,1例仅探及1侧,2例失败。顽固性血精患者术后随访3个月至3年,均未复发。结论:病史及查体在诊断顽固性血精中较为重要,MRI在诊断精囊疾病中的作用较B超更为有效,精囊镜治疗是解决顽固性血精及射精管梗阻的有效手段。     

Novel methods for the diagnosis and treatment of ejaculatory duct obstruction

Study Type – Therapy (case series) Level of Evidence 4

OBJECTIVES

? To investigate a new method of vas deferens radiography for ejaculatory duct obstruction (EDO). ? To evaluate the effect of a procedure involving dilation of the ejaculatory duct by F9 seminal vesicoscopy.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

? Twenty‐two patients with EDO were diagnosed using semen analysis, semen fructose measurement, transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS) and vas deferens radiography. ? Of these, 18 patients were successfully treated by dilation of ejaculatory duct using F9 seminal vesicoscopy and four patients, whose treatment was unsuccessful, were treated by transurethral resection of the ejaculatory ducts (TURED). ? All patients were followed up for at least 3 months after treatment.

RESULTS

? Semen analyses in all 22 patients showed oligoasthenozoospermia or azoospermia, low semen volume (0–1.9 mL), low pH level (5.6–7.0) and absent or low semen fructose. TRUS and radiography showed pure dilated seminal vesicles on both sides in three patients, partial dilated seminal vesicles in one patient, dilation of both the ejaculatory duct and seminal vesicles in ten patients, dilated seminal vesicles and a prostatic cyst in four patients, and dilated ejaculatory duct or cystic lesions without dilated seminal vesicles in the remaining four patients. ? At >3‐month follow‐up after dilation or TURED, the semen characteristics of 18 patients were improved and sperm were present in the semen in 13 cases. Normal semen analyses were found in 7 patients and 6 patients had conceived. ? Voiding urethral radiography showed that no patients who had undergone dilation by seminal vesicoscopy had urine reflux into the ejaculatory duct. Only one patient showed urine reflux into the seminal vesicle after TURED. ? All patients felt that their symptoms had improved after treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

? The approach to vas deferens radiography using vas deferens aspiration has proved to be an effective and safe method for EDO diagnosis. ? The procedure involving the dilation of the ejaculatory duct using F9 seminal vesicoscopy is equally effective but has fewer postoperative complications than TURED.     

Seminal vesicle aspiration in spinal cord injured men: insight into poor sperm quality

PURPOSE: In men with spinal cord injury poor quality semen is seen when performing electroejaculation and penile vibratory stimulation. We determined whether sperm stasis within the seminal vesicles is a potential cause of this problem. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seminal vesicle aspiration was performed immediately before electroejaculation or penile vibratory stimulation in men with aspermia secondary to spinal cord injury. Sperm count and quality of seminal vesicle aspiration and subsequent ejaculation were compared with historical ejaculated counts, ultrasound findings and patient characteristics. RESULTS: Mean total number of right plus left seminal vesicle sperm plus or minus standard deviation was 511 +/- 960 x 10(6). Mean total number of sperm obtained by seminal vesicle plus electroejaculation or penile vibratory stimulation was 918 +/- 1,261 x 10(6). Average motility and viability of the seminal vesicle aspirated sperm were 1.3 and 3.2%, respectively. Average motility of the ejaculated sperm was 26.4% after seminal vesicle aspiration versus 16.3% in previous ejaculation induction procedures performed in the same patients. Seminal vesicle aspirated sperm represented 66% of the total number of sperm obtained during the session and was equal to 49% of the sperm obtained at previous electroejaculation or penile vibratory stimulation sessions. The period of abstinence correlated only with ejaculate count (simple regression p = 0.009). No other clinical characteristics had any effect on sperm count or quality. CONCLUSIONS: Large numbers of poor quality sperm are present within the seminal vesicles of spinal cord injured men and these sperm comprise a large portion of the specimens collected by electroejaculation or penile vibratory stimulation. This phenomenon is independent of the period of abstinence, implicating disordered storage of sperm due to spinal cord injury rather than infrequent ejaculation. The large number of senescent sperm within the seminal vesicles appears to be a primary cause of poor sperm quality in spinal cord injured men.     

Endoscopic management of ejaculatory duct obstruction

A total of 191 patients were evaluated at our department for azoospermia, and 11 were found to have azoospermia due to ejaculatory duct obstruction as proved by normal serum hormones, normal testicular biopsy, low ejaculate volume and absence of fructose in semen. Also transrectal ultrasound was performed, revealing distended seminal vesicles and dilated ejaculatory ducts. All these criteria together suggested ejaculatory duct obstruction as a cause of azoospermia. All patients underwent endoscopic management for treatment of their ejaculatory duct obstruction in the form of resection and/or incision of the ejaculatory duct ostium inside the urethra and patency was checked intraoperatively by injection of sterile methylene blue in the vas and visualizing the efflux of the blue dye endoscopically. Intraoperative patency was documented in 10 patients and postoperative patency by follow-up semen analysis in 7 patients (70% patency rate) of which 2 (20% pregnancy rate) were able to conceive within 2 years of endoscopic treatment. Postoperative complications included acute urinary retention in 1 patient, haematuria in 5 and recurrent epididymitis in 2 patients.     

Transurethral resection of ejaculatory ducts in the treatment of complete ejaculatory duct obstruction

Objectives To evaluate the value of transurethral resection of the ejaculatory duct (TURED) in the treatment of complete ejaculatory duct obstruction (EDO) as a treatable cause of male factor infertility. Materials and methods We retrospectively evaluated 12 azoospermic infertile men who were diagnosed as having complete EDO. The mean age of the patients was 32 years (range 24–40). Inclusion criteria were EDO in patients with azoospermia, normal serum levels of gonadotropins and testosterone and evidence of obstruction on transrectal ultrasonographic (TRUS) images. The definitive diagnosis was based on the absence of an efflux of methylene blue injected through the seminal vesicles during cystoscopy. All patients were treated by TURED. Results Before TURED, all patients were azoospermic and had been considered as candidates for in vitro fertilization (IVF)/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). Following the operation, sperms were seen in the ejaculates of 11/12 patients. After a mean follow-up period of 12 (range 4–36) months, five (41.6%) pregnancies were noted (three spontaneous, one with intrauterine insemination and one with IVF/ICSI). Conclusion Transurethral resection was found to be a safe and somewhat effective approach for the treatment of EDO. After TURED, a significant improvement was achieved in semen parameters, and spontaneous pregnancy resulted in three cases. In addition, TURED can reduce the need for expensive procedures such as IVF/ICSI as this modality allows IVF/ICSI to be performed with ejaculated instead of surgically retrieved sperm.     

Secondary ejaculatory duct obstruction: management by secondary transurethral resection of ejaculatory duct

Distal ejaculatory duct obstruction (EDO) is a relatively rare but surgically treatable cause of male infertility. Transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS) has been commonly used in infertility evaluation in recent years. These pathologies are more common than expected and treated with transurethral resection of ejaculatory duct (TURED). Although TURED is the recommended routine procedure for all cases of EDO, it has complications, such as iatrogenic obstruction, in 4% of the cases. Herein, we evaluated a patient who had developed EDO secondary to TURED.     

Management of ejaculatory duct obstruction: etiology, diagnosis, and treatment

Abnormalities of the distal ejaculatory ducts related to infertility have been well-documented. Although there are no specific findings associated with ejaculatory duct obstruction, several clinical findings are highly suggestive. A diagnosis of ejaculatory duct obstruction is suggested in an infertile male with oligospermia or azoospermia with low ejaculate volume, normal secondary sex characteristics, testes, and hormonal profile, and dilated seminal vesicles, midline cyst, or calcifications on TRUS. Other causes of infertility may be concomitantly present and need to be evaluated and treated. Trans urethral resection of ejaculatory ducts (TURED) has resulted in marked improvement in semen parameters, and pregnancies have been achieved. Proper patient selection and surgical experience are necessary to obtain optimal results. In case of testicular dysfunction, chances of success are minimal. Extended follow-up periods are needed after TURED to examine the long-term effects of this procedure. Better understanding of the anatomy and pathology of the ejaculatory ducts will continue to refine diagnostic and therapeutic procedures for this disorder.     

Transurethral treatment of ejaculatory duct obstruction in infertile men

Ten cases of ejaculatory duct obstruction with midline cyst, complaining of male infertility, were treated with transurethral incision. They had azoospermia or oligozoospermia, and physical examination did not show any abnormal findings. Serum levels of testosterone, LH, and FSH were within normal limits. The diagnosis of ejaculatory duct obstruction with midline cyst was made by transurethral ultrasonography and vasography. Thereafter, patients underwent transurethral incision of the verumontanum with a cold knife. Semen volume increased in all patients, and sperm concentration and/or motility improved in 7 patients (70%). Pregnancy was achieved by 3 couples (30%). Incision of the ejaculatory duct via an endoscopic technique could improve seminal findings and subsequent fertility.     

Clinical and radiological evaluation of ejaculatory duct obstruction

Ejaculatory duct obstruction (EDO) is a rare but surgically correctable cause of male infertility. With the advent and increased use of transrectal ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging, abnormalities of the ejaculatory duct (ED) related to infertility have been diagnosed more frequently. Recently, with the increased awareness of functional obstruction of ED, reports have been focusing on the diagnosis of partial or functional EDO. We present 2 review of the ED pathologies, imaging modalities and treatment options.     

经尿道射精管口电切术治疗射精管梗阻性无精子症

目的 探讨经尿道射精管口电切术（TURED）治疗射精管梗阻性无精子症的可行性和疗效。方法 对我院2003年6月—2004年12月收治的20例射精管梗阻性无精子症患者,采用精液常规分析、精浆果糖测定和经直肠前列腺精囊超声检查（TRUS）进行诊断,20例患者的精液量0．4～1．6ml,pH值6．0～7．2,精液中均未检出精子,精浆果糖为0～2．6μmoL／1次射精,其中16例的精浆果糖为0。TRUS显示前列腺中线囊肿11例,偏心性囊肿2例,双侧精囊及射精管扩张5例,一侧精囊及射精管扩张2例。所有者均使用TURED治疗,术后随访其疗效。结果 20例均完成手术,手术时间15～50min,术中出血约10～30m1,术后保留导尿管1～7d。术后随访超过3个月的15例患者中,10例（67％）术后精液质量改善,其中3例（20％）患者的配偶妊娠;随访不足3个月另尚未行精液检查。结论 TURED方法简单、安全、有效,是治疗射精管梗阻的有效手段。     

The clinical curative effect of transurethral resection of the ejaculatory duct for iatrogenic ejaculatory duct obstruction after prostatic hyperthermia

Dear Sir,I am a urologic doctor from Urology Departmentof The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen Univer-sity of Medical Science.Recently our group find thereare some patients diagnosed with iatrogenic ejaculatoryduct obstruction (EDO) after prostatic hyperthermia.This finding showed it was dangerous that some nulli-breeding patients of prostatitis were treated with pros-tatic hyperthermia,which could induce EDO andurethrostenosis.EDO,one of the most important causes of male in-fertility as it is treatable,affects 1-5% of infertile men[1,2].EDO may be due to congenital abnormalities,genitourinary infections,prior pelvic surgery,indwellingcatheters,urethral trauma and prostate disease.However,reports on iatrogenic EDO after prostatic hyperthermiaare rare.Three patients,who had been diagnosed withiatrogenic EDO after prostatic hyperthermia,underwenttransurethral resection of the ejaculatory duct (TURED)in our hospital from March 2004 to June 2005.After being diagnosed with prostatitis at anotherhospital,the three patients (30,28 and 27 years oldrespectively) underwent per urethra rheophore ablation,     

A case of seminal vesicle cyst due to the obstruction of the ejaculatory duct: possible association with prostate cancer

We report a case of a seminal vesicle cyst supposed to be associated with prostate cancer in a 79-year-old Japanese man presenting with urinary retention. A fist-sized soft mass was palpated at the anterior wall of the rectum and serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) was elevated to 59.8 ng/ml. Transrectal ultrasonography, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging revealed a retrovesical cystic mass measuring 7 cm in diameter and the absence of bilateral seminal vesicles. On vasography the lumen of the cystic lesion was visualized immediately, but the radiopaque fluid did not flow into the urethra. Transperineal prostate biopsy revealed moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma and puncture of the cyst revealed bloody fluid including sperm with a low PSA level. These findings strongly suggested that the mass was a seminal vesicle cyst caused by ejaculatory duct obstruction associated with prostate cancer. He has received endocrine therapy with goserelin acetate and bicalutamide for 6 months with no enlargement of the cystic lesion.     

Diagnosis and treatment of ejaculatory duct obstruction in male infertility

OBJECTIVE: To discuss the diagnosis and treatment of ejaculatory duct obstruction in male infertility. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Twenty-four males were treated for ejaculatory duct obstruction between 1994 and 1998 in our clinic. Patients' age varied between 20 and 40 (mean=29). Ejaculatory duct obstruction was considered in patients with low to normal ejaculate volume, azoospermia or oligospermia, decreased motility, normal serum gonadotropin and testosterone levels, absent or low fructose in the ejaculate and evidence of obstruction on transrectal ultrasonography. The definitive diagnosis was made by the absence of efflux of methylene blue injected through the vas during cytoscopy. All the patients were subjected to transurethral resection of ejaculatory ducts and spermograms before and 3 months after resection were compared. RESULTS: Before transurethral resection mean sperm count was 1.66x10(6)/ml compared to 25.4x10(6)/ml postoperatively. The difference was statistically significant (p=0.001). After the operation, 58.3% of the cases had improvement in sperm motility, and 62.5% had increased ejaculate volume. No significant complications occurred, and in only 1 (4.17%) patient, there was persistent hematuria. After a mean follow-up period of 9 (6-18) months, 6 (25%) pregnancies were noted. CONCLUSION: Although transurethral resection is an effective method for the treatment of ejaculatory duct obstruction, the pregnancy rate is low, which could be related to the hazardous effects of urinary reflux into ejaculatory ducts or functional abnormalities of seminal vesicles.     

经尿道射精管切开术治疗射精管梗阻性无精子症

目的探讨经尿道射精管切开治疗射精管梗阻的安全性及临床疗效。方法分析2008年1月2011年12月收治的16例射精管梗阻性无精子症患者的临床资料,常规精液分析、精浆果糖、中性a葡萄糖苷酶测定及经直肠超声予以诊断,必要时行精道造影检查确诊。16例均采用经尿道射精管切开术治疗,术后随访其疗效。结果 16例均顺利完成手术,术后随访36月,14例（87.5%）精液各项指标均有明显改善,5例（31.3%）配偶妊娠。结论经尿道射精管切开术是治疗射精管梗阻性无精子症的安全有效的方法,值得临床推广。     

射精管部分梗阻致大鼠血精模型的建立

目的:建立射精管部分梗阻致大鼠血精模型,探讨血精症发病机制。方法:成年雄性SD大鼠50只,分为A组(30只)和B组(20只)。将A组大鼠行右侧射精管部分结扎,B组仅行开关腹(假手术)。于手术后1周行电刺激诱导射精,从A组中选出产生肉眼血精者设为A1组(实验组),从B组中选出射精功能完好者设为B1组(对照组),比较两组间精液常规及精囊内压力。结果:A1组精液量[(0.46±0.12ml]较B1组[(0.91±0.12)ml]减少,差异有显著性(P<0.01);两组精液中白细胞数[(0.83±0.75)/HPvs(0.89±0.78)/HP]及精子密度[(29.85±1.68)×106/mlvs(30.58±1.64)×106/ml]均无统计学差异(P>0.05)。A1组精子活动力[(36.35±3.52)%]较B1组[(61.02±5.35)%]明显减小,有显著性差异(P<0.01)。A1组精囊内压较B1组[(6.73±1.50)cmH2Ovs(1.39±0.56)cmH2O]明显增大,有显著性差异(P<0.01)。结论:射精管部分梗阻可引发血精,且伴随有精液指标的变化,其发生与精囊内压力增高密切相关。     

射精管梗阻性不育症的微创外科治疗

射精管梗阻(EDO)是引起男性不育的重要原因之一,在男性不育因素中约占1%~5%。外科手术干预可以矫正EDO引起的男性不育症,目前外科治疗方式较多,经尿道射精管切开术被认为是治疗EDO的金标准,临床应用较为广泛;随着医疗水平的发展,精囊镜技术逐渐应用于对本病的治疗,有疗效确切、经济简便和并发症较少等优点,其临床应用价值逐渐得到重视;经尿道球囊扩张和精囊灌洗目前缺乏大量确切临床证据,尚需更多研究去探讨其临床应用价值。本文综述了近年来有关EDO的微创外科治疗。