Vasectomy review: sequelae in the human epididymis and ductus deferens. 1996

S W McDonald
Laboratory of Human Anatomy, University of Glasgow, Scotland.

Following vasectomy, spermatogenesis continues, the human epididymis and ductus deferens may distend and leak, and the extravasated spermatozoa stimulate formation of a sperm granuloma. Granulomas may occur at 60% of vasectomy sites and are usually asymptomatic and relieve intraluminal pressure. About 3-5% of patients experience pain. Intraluminal phagocytosis may explain why some reproductive tracts become depleted of spermatozoa. Distension of the epididymis is common after vasectomy and may lead to granuloma formation there. Up to 6% of patients have symptoms, but many with epididymal changes have no discomfort. Most episodes of painful epididymitis and granulomas resolve with conservative treatment, but < 1% require vasectomy reversal or, if this is ineffective, excision of the epididymis and obstructed ductus deferens.

UI MeSH Term Description Entries
D008297 Male Males
D004822 Epididymis The convoluted cordlike structure attached to the posterior of the TESTIS. Epididymis consists of the head (caput), the body (corpus), and the tail (cauda). A network of ducts leaving the testis joins into a common epididymal tubule proper which provides the transport, storage, and maturation of SPERMATOZOA.
D005832 Genital Diseases, Male Pathological processes involving the male reproductive tract (GENITALIA, MALE). Male Genital Diseases,Disease, Male Genital,Diseases, Male Genital,Genital Disease, Male,Male Genital Disease
D006099 Granuloma A relatively small nodular inflammatory lesion containing grouped mononuclear phagocytes, caused by infectious and noninfectious agents. Granulomas
D006801 Humans Members of the species Homo sapiens. Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man
D013733 Testicular Diseases Pathological processes of the TESTIS. Disease, Testicular,Diseases, Testicular,Testicular Disease
D014649 Vas Deferens The excretory duct of the testes that carries SPERMATOZOA. It rises from the SCROTUM and joins the SEMINAL VESICLES to form the ejaculatory duct. Ductus Deferens,Deferens, Ductus,Deferens, Vas
D014659 Vasectomy Surgical removal of the ductus deferens, or a portion of it. It is done in association with prostatectomy, or to induce infertility. (Dorland, 28th ed) Intravasal Thread,Vas Ligation,Vas Occlusion,Vas Occlusion, Nonchemical,Vasectomy Seekers,Vasectomy Seekers, Refused,Intravasal Threads,Ligation, Vas,Ligations, Vas,Nonchemical Vas Occlusion,Nonchemical Vas Occlusions,Occlusion, Nonchemical Vas,Occlusion, Vas,Occlusions, Nonchemical Vas,Occlusions, Vas,Refused Vasectomy Seeker,Refused Vasectomy Seekers,Seeker, Refused Vasectomy,Seeker, Vasectomy,Seekers, Refused Vasectomy,Seekers, Vasectomy,Thread, Intravasal,Threads, Intravasal,Vas Ligations,Vas Occlusions,Vas Occlusions, Nonchemical,Vasectomies,Vasectomy Seeker,Vasectomy Seeker, Refused

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