Transurethral resection of ejaculatory duct in infertile men: outcome and predictors of success

Objectives

To evaluate the outcome of transurethral resection of the ejaculatory duct (TURED) in the treatment for ejaculatory duct obstruction (EDO) and define predictors of success.

Materials and methods

We retrospectively evaluated 23 infertile men between 2006 and 20011, who were diagnosed as having EDO. Inclusion criteria were azoospermia or oligozoospermia, low ejaculate volume, low ejaculate PH, little or no fructose in seminal plasma with normal serum levels of gonadotropins and testosterone and evidence of obstruction on transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS) or magnetic resonance images (MRI). Seventeen patients were diagnosed as complete EDO, and the remaining 6 were considered as having partial EDO. All patients were treated by TURED.

Results

Midline cysts were diagnosed in seven cases, and the remaining 16 patients had postinflammatory obstruction of ejaculatory ducts (ED). Overall, a significant improvement of semen quality was achieved after surgery. All patients with partial EDO showed improvements in semen parameters after TURED compared to 23.5?% (4/17) in those with complete EDO. Improvement in sperm count was 71.5?% and 31?% for patients with midline cysts and patients with non-cystic causes of EDO, respectively. Six (26?%) patients developed complications including epididymo-orchitis in 2, watery ejaculate in 3 and conversion to azoospermia in 1. Spontaneous pregnancies were achieved in 3 (13?%) cases: 2 (33.3?%) men with partial and 1 (5.9?%) with complete obstruction.

Conclusion

Partial EDO, whatever the etiology, has an excellent outcome after TURED. Complete EDO due to cysts appears to respond better than postinflammatory obstruction to TURED.     

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.     

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.     

Transurethral resection of cystic and non-cystic ejaculatory duct obstructions

Ejaculatory duct obstructions are diagnosed in ≈ 5% of azoospermic men and can be treated by transurethral resection (TURED) or incision of the ducts. Eight patients with azoospermia and ejaculatory duct obstructions were treated by TURED after clinical examination, semen analysis, biochemical analysis of seminal plasma, endocrine analysis, transrectal ultrasonography and testicular biopsy. In 3/3 cases of cystic and in 3/5 cases of non-cystic obstruction, TURED of the stenosis was possible. During a follow-up of 12 months there was an increase in semen volume and sperm count in 3/3 and 3/5 patients, respectively. No pregnancy was achieved during the period up to 12 months. Clinical symptoms such as haemospermia and pain disappeared in all cases. In our cases and another 98 cases of ejaculatory duct obstructions documented in the literature, men of semen quality improved in 38–60% with a pregnancy rate of men 22–31% after TURED. We conclude that there is a correlation between the aetiology of ejaculatory duct obstructions and success rate of TURED.     

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。     

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.     

Seminal vesicle sperm aspiration in the diagnosis of ejaculatory duct obstruction

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effectiveness of seminal vesicle aspiration in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with ejaculatory duct obstruction. PATIENTS, SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Between March 1998 and February 1999, 10 infertile men with ejaculatory duct obstruction (EDO, mean age 32.7 years, range 25-47) and 10 fertile volunteers (mean age 33.2 years, range 25-42) underwent transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS) and TRUS-guided seminal vesicle aspiration. The volume of and presence of motile sperm in the aspirate was compared with the TRUS findings for both groups. RESULTS: From TRUS of the patients with EDO, the mean (sd, range) transverse diameter of the right and left seminal vesicles were 1.97 (0.54, 0.8-2.6) cm and 1.93 (0.53, 0.9-2.6) cm; the corresponding values in the control group were 1.03 (0.15, 0.8-1.3) cm and 1.0 (0. 12, 0.8-1.4) cm, respectively (P<0.001). In all, 20 aspirate samples were obtained from the patients with EDO by bilateral seminal vesicle aspiration and only one (10%) had no sperm within the aspirate fluid. Of these 10 patients, two had immotile sperm and the remaining seven (14 samples) had a mean motile sperm count of 0.63 (0.45, 0.1-1.0)x106 /mL, whereas seven of eight men assessed in the control group had no motile sperm (one patient had immotile sperm within the aspirate fluid); this difference was significant (P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The aspiration of significant numbers of motile sperm from the seminal vesicles suggests the presence of distal obstructions of the ejaculatory duct and enables infertile couples to be candidates for assisted reproduction. However, there is a need for further research to determine the use of this technique in the diagnosis of partial EDO.     

Transurethral seminal vesiculoscopy using a 6F vesiculoscope for ejaculatory duct obstruction: initial experience

Ejaculatory duct obstruction (EDO) is a surgically correctable condition that occurs in some infertile men. The standard therapy is transurethral resection of ejaculatory ducts (TURED). However, TURED has been associated with a high risk of complications, including the impairment of semen parameters and retrograde ejaculation. In our clinical practice, vesiculoscopy has demonstrated potential as a minimally invasive alternative technique for the diagnosis and treatment of EDO. Very few studies have examined transurethral seminal vesiculoscopy (TRU-SVS) in recent years, and no study has examined 6F vesiculoscopes. Therefore, we performed a retrospective study of TRU-SVS using a 6F vesiculoscope and its effect on the diagnosis and treatment of EDO. A total of 21 patients who underwent this procedure were included in the study. The mean patient age was 28.8 years (range, 23-36 years). The procedure was completed successfully in all patients within a mean time of 31.5 minutes and a mean hospital stay of 1.17 days. All patients had EDO. Calculi were found in the ejaculatory ducts or in the seminal vesicles of 5 patients. Sperm was detected in 11 patients 1-3 months postsurgery and in another 8 patients 3-12 months postsurgery. No sperm was detected in the remaining 2 patients by 12 months postsurgery. Epididymitis, retrograde ejaculation, urinary incontinence, and rectal injury were not observed. These data indicate that TRU-SVS using a 6F vesiculoscope affords direct access to the seminal vesicle and offers the advantages of fewer complications and more optimal sperm recovery as well as direct, dynamic video imaging.     

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。     

前列腺热疗后医源性射精管梗阻的诊断与治疗(附3例报告)

目的:探讨前列腺热疗后医源性射精管梗阻的诊断及治疗特点。方法:回顾分析3例前列腺热疗后射精管梗阻患者的临床资料。结果:3例患者皆因前列腺炎行经尿道前列腺热疗而导致后尿道狭窄、变形,继发射精管梗阻。经精液分析、经直肠B超检查后确诊。行经尿道射精管电切开术(TURED)后患者梗阻解除,精液恢复正常。结论:经尿道微波热疗、射频和电极导融治疗等方法在用于前列腺炎治疗时应严格掌握适应证,使用不慎可导致继发医源性射精管梗阻。经尿道射精管切开术是其首选治疗方法。     

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.     

Diminution of ejaculatory capacity induced by frequent ejaculation in dogs: Prevention and reversal by yohimbine

The effect of yohimbine, an alpha-2 adrenoceptor antagonist, on diminished ejaculatory capacity induced by frequent ejaculation was investigated in dogs. Ejaculation was elicited by manual penile stimulation (for 5 min) 5-8 times every 30 min. The amount of ejaculate produced by the stimulation was drastically reduced during a period of frequent ejaculation in a frequency-dependent manner. When administered immediately after the first ejaculation, yohimbine (0.1 mg kg-1, i.p.) completely prevented the decrease in the amount of ejaculate produced in the succeeding ejaculation. Moreover, similar treatment with yohimbine immediately after the fifth ejaculation when the dogs displayed a greatly reduced ejaculatory capacity restored the capacity to the initial level. In addition, yohimbine increased the total number of sperm produced during a period of frequent ejaculation. These data corroborate our previous finding that yohimbine at a low dose has a stimulatory effect on ejaculatory function in dogs. The present study also indicates that an alpha-2 adrenergic mechanism may be involved in the diminution of ejaculatory capacity induced by frequent ejaculation.     

Management of ejaculatory disorders in infertile men

Ejaculatory dysfunction is a highly prevalent clinical condition that may be classified along a continuum that ranges from premature ejaculation (PE), through retarded or delayed ejaculation (DE), to complete anejaculation (AE). Retrograde ejaculation (RE) represents a distinct entity in which ejaculate is expelled either partially or completely into the bladder. While DE and PE are significant sources of sexual dissatisfaction among men and their partners, patients with these disorders retain normal fertility in most cases. Conversely, men with AE and RE are unable to deliver sperm into the female genital tract and are therefore rendered subfertile. Therefore, in reviewing ejaculatory disorders as they relate to fertility, this paper will primarily focus on the diagnosis and management of AE and RE. Physiology, diagnostic strategies, pharmacological treatments, and procedural interventions relevant to AE and RE are discussed.     

梗阻性无精子症的外科治疗(附56例报告)

目的:探讨梗阻性无精子症的诊断和外科治疗方法。方法:分析2004年10月至2008年11月间收治的56例梗阻性无精子症患者的临床资料,其中43例为射精管梗阻性无精子症,13例疑为附睾水平梗阻性无精子症。常规精液分析、精浆果糖和中性α葡糖苷酶测定以及经直肠超声检查(TRUS)对其进行诊断,必要时行输精管造影检查。43例为射精管梗阻性无精子症使用经尿道射精管切开术(TURED)治疗,13例疑为附睾水平梗阻性无精子症行阴囊探查术,对其中11例确定为附睾水平梗阻行双侧或单侧附睾输精管端侧吻合术,术后随访其疗效。结果:所有患者均完成手术,术后随访3～51个月。43例射精管梗阻性无精子症TURED术后,36例(83.7%)精液检查有不同程度的改善,11例(25.6%)妻子妊娠。11例附睾水平梗阻性无精子症行输精管附睾吻合术后,6例(54.5%)精液检查检出活精子,3例(27.3%)妻子妊娠。结论:精液分析、精浆果糖和中性α葡糖苷酶测定,TRUS和输精管造影是诊断梗阻性无精子症的主要方式。TURED和输精管附睾吻合术分别是治疗射精管梗阻性无精子症和附睾水平梗阻性无精子症的有效方法。     

Laparoscopic excision of extraprostatic ejaculatory duct cyst

Our experiences with laparoscopic excisions of symptomatic extraprostatic ejaculatory duct cysts (EDCs) are reported. Three laparoscopic excisions of extraprostatic EDCs performed by one urologist in 2003 and 2004 were retrospectively reviewed. Investigations included history, physical examination, image analysis, semen analysis, operation time, estimated blood loss, time of post-operative hospital stay, recovery time for regular activities, sexual function and complications. The laparoscopic excisions of EDCs were successful. The mean operation time was 105 min, and the mean estimated blood loss was 65 ml. The average post-operative hospital stay was 3.0 days. All patients exhibited normal erection and normal ejaculation. Improvement in semen quality was observed in two patients. All patients remained free of symptoms, and recurrence of EDCs was not detected on transrectal ultrasonography over a mean 32-month follow-up period. It is concluded that laparoscopic excision of an EDC is feasible and effective. Due to minimal invasiveness, short post-operative hospitalisation and rapid recovery, laparoscopic surgery is an attractive approach to managing symptomatic EDCs, especially for sizeable cysts or those including calculus.     

经尿道射精管切开术后24例并发症临床分析

目的探讨经尿道射精管切开（TUR-ED）术后并发症及其防治。方法24例射精管开口梗阻患者施行了TUR-ED术,年龄22-36岁,分析所有患者术后并发症,并对并发症的处理进行总结。结果术后出血3例（12．5％）,感染5例（20．8％）,梗阻复发2例（8．3％）,射精异常2例（8．3％）。结论TUR—ED术后并发症发生受多因素影响。结合患者的整体情况、遵循个体化原则、加强对泌尿男科医师手术技能的训练是手术成功的关键。     

A prospective comparison of 3 diagnostic methods to evaluate ejaculatory duct obstruction

PURPOSE: Various diagnostic tests are available to evaluate patients with ejaculatory duct obstruction (EDO). However, the most accurate diagnostic technique, defined as the one that best predicts a successful outcome after ejaculatory duct resection, is unclear. We prospectively performed transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) and 3 other tests in men with EDO and determined their relative value in this diagnosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients with suspected EDO on clinical evaluation that included TRUS proceeded to further intraoperative evaluation with duct chromotubation, seminal vesicle aspiration and seminal vesiculography. A comparative analysis of findings from each technique was performed and the success of subsequent transurethral resection procedures was assessed. RESULTS: All 25 patients had evidence of EDO on diagnostic TRUS, a finding that merited further evaluation with other modalities. However, TRUS findings correlated poorly with those of the other diagnostic tests. Obstruction on TRUS was confirmed in only 52%, 48% and 36% of vesiculography, seminal vesicle aspiration and duct chromotubation studies, respectively. A better correlation was observed between the dynamic tests of duct chromotubation and seminal vesiculography. Based on all diagnostic tests only 12 patients (48%) proceeded to duct resection, of whom 10 (83%) showed significant improvement in semen analysis parameters or clinical symptoms after the procedure. CONCLUSIONS: A comparative analysis of 4 diagnostic techniques suggests that TRUS alone has poor specificity for EDO evaluation. Incorporating dynamic tests into the algorithm of EDO diagnosis may decrease unnecessary duct resection procedures and improve the success of the resection procedures that are indicated.     

Systematic review of lower urinary tract symptoms/benign prostatic hyperplasia surgical treatments on men's ejaculatory function: Time for a bespoke approach?

Although ejaculatory dysfunction is common for patients undergoing benign prostatic hyperplasia surgery, no clear evidence is present to counsel men seeking to preserve ejaculation. Our aim was to evaluate ejaculatory dysfunction in relation to benign prostatic hyperplasia surgery. We carried out a web and manual search using MEDLINE and Embase including randomized controlled trials reporting ejaculatory dysfunction after benign prostatic hyperplasia surgery: 42 randomized controlled trials comprising a total of 3857 patients were included. Only one study had ejaculatory dysfunction as a primary outcome, and just 10 evaluated ejaculatory dysfunction before and after surgery. The definition of ejaculatory dysfunction was not standardized. Similarly, just seven studies used internationally validated questionnaires to address ejaculatory dysfunction. The reported rates of ejaculatory dysfunction after resectional elecrosurgery, laser procedures, coagulation, ablation and implant techniques were assessed and compared. Transurethral resection of the prostate and recent laser procedures including holmium, thulium and GreenLight cause similar rates of ejaculatory dysfunction, occurring in almost three out of four to five men. Although providing less symptomatic benefit compared with transurethral resection of the prostate, transurethral incision of the prostate, transurethral needle ablation and transurethral microwave thermotherapy should be considered for men aiming to maintain normal ejaculation. UroLift is also a recent promising option for this category of patients. The vast majority of studies reporting ejaculatory dysfunction after benign prostatic hyperplasia surgery used poor methodology to investigate this complication. Future studies able to address clear hypothesis and considering ejaculatory dysfunction anatomical and pathophysiological features are required to develop ejaculation preserving techniques and to increase the evidence to counsel men aiming to preserve ejaculation.     

Ejaculatory disorder caused by alpha-1 adrenoceptor antagonists is not retrograde ejaculation but a loss of seminal emission

AIM: The etiology of the ejaculatory disorder induced by alpha-1 blockers is still controversial, although it has been suggested to be retrograde ejaculation. The aim of this study was to investigate the distribution of alpha-1 adrenoceptor subtype mRNA in human seminal vesicles, and to analyze the prevalence and etiology of the disorder in healthy men. METHODS: Experimental Study. Seminal vesicles from 10 surgical specimens (eight radical prostatectomy, two radical cystectomy) were dissected. Real-time PCR was conducted for quantification of mRNA expression of each alpha-1 adrenoceptor subtype. Clinical Study. Ejaculatory disorder was investigated using 17 healthy male volunteers. Tamsulosin (0.2 mg and 0.4 mg) and naftopidil (50 mg and 100 mg) were administered in a crossover manner for 3 days. The ejaculatory volume, sperm count in midstream urine after ejaculation, and fructose concentration in seminal plasma were investigated. RESULTS: Real-time PCR revealed that alpha-1a mRNA was significantly predominant in seminal vesicles (P < 0.001; 1a, 75.0%; 1b, 11.7%; 1d, 13.3%). Ejaculatory volume (baseline 2.72 +/- 0.28 mL) significantly decreased in the tamsulosin group (0.2 mg, 1.75 +/- 0.31 mL; 0.4 mg, 1.51 +/- 0.39 mL; P < 0.05), but not in the naftopidil group (50 mg, 2.70 +/- 0.24 mL; 100 mg, 2.48 +/- 0.26 mL; P = NS). There was no sperm in midstream urine after any ejaculation. CONCLUSIONS: The current study demonstrates that alpha-1a mRNA is predominant among the adrenoceptor subtypes in human seminal vesicles. Decreased capacity of contraction of the seminal vesicles is proposed as the cause of the ejaculatory disorder induced by alpha-1 blockers.     

输精管造影在射精管梗阻病因诊断中的作用探讨(附45例报告)(附编者按)

目的 对比分析细针穿刺输精管造影和经直肠B超(TRUS)对射精管梗阻性无精子症的诊断中作用,以期为探讨国人射精管梗阻性无精子症的最佳影像学诊断方法提供依据.方法 2005年7月至2007年7月间,对45例经精液分析和TRUS疑诊为双侧射精管梗阻(EDO)性无精子症的患者行开放性细针穿刺输精管造影检查.患者精液分析应具有典型的"四低"特点和(或)具有TRUS检查的典型EDO改变.结果 45例患者中,同时具有典型的精液分析"四低"特点和TRus检查改变的患者15例(33.33%),精液分析有"四低"特点而TRUS检查无典型改变者12例(26.67%),TRUS检查有典型改变而精液分析不具备"四低"特点者18例(40%).开放性细针穿刺输精管造影检查显示:双侧输精管起始段、附睾部梗阻患者19例,双侧输精管梗阻、发育不良患者15例,双侧射精管梗阻仅3例(6.67%),一侧输精管梗阻、一侧射精管梗阻患者2例,一侧输精管起始段及附睾部梗阻、一侧输精管梗阻或发育不良者6例.仅1例患者出现,是因造影后不遵医嘱过早活动出现阴囊血肿,保守治疗后自行吸收.结论 单纯依靠TRUS进行射精管梗阻诊断的价值有限,考虑与TRUS仪能显示静止的精囊、射精管情况有关.开放性细针穿刺输精管造影在梗阻性无精子症诊断中有重要作用.