A MODIFIED VASOEPIDIDYMOSTOMY PERFORMED WITH THE SLING AND BLANKET TECHNIQUE

A modification is presented for the end-to-end type of vasoepididymostomy known as the sling and blanket. We have exploited the differences in size between the vas and epididymis to gain a mechanical advantage. When the epididymis is transected the redundant tunic is preserved. The sling is created from the tunic, which is drawn forward and sutured to the vas posteriorly about 1 cm. from its cut end. The sling provides support so that the end-to-end anastomosis between the vas lumen and specific epididymal tubule may be completed in 1 plane and without rotation. The blanket is created from the remaining epididymal tunic, which is sutured antiorly to cover the anastomosis and stabilize the vas. The procedure was performed on 8 patients with primary epididymal obstruction. The patency rate was 50% and the pregnancy rate was 25%. Although vasoepididymostomy remains a difficult microsurgical operation, this modification seems to be beneficial in selected cases.