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Introduction and objective: Vasectomy is a well-established method in family control. Even though it is a safe and
low risk operation, this surgery is invasive and difficult to reverse. Therefore the aim of this study was to investigate
new non-invasive methods for occlusion of the seminal duct.
Material and Methods: Seminal duct tissue was obtained from patients (n=30) suffering from prostate cancer and
therefore undergoing prostatectomy. In a first set of experiments, the seminal duct was occluded by intraluminal
application of Histoacryl® (Braun Aesculap AG, Tuttlingen, Germany). In a 2nd set of experiments, endoluminal
laser induced occlusion was performed. Four different laser wavelengths (1940nm, 1470nm, 1064nm, 940nm) and
different sets of laser parameters (e.g. power, exposure duration, fibre diameter, energy applied) were compared.
Effectiveness of occlusion of the seminal duct was proven by post-treatment irrigation flow measurement, as well as
by morphological analyses. To evaluate a potential damage of the surrounding tissue, external temperature was
measured using a thermometer during laser application.
Results: Intraluminal application of Histoacryl® induced an immediate and complete occlusion of the seminal duct.
The underlying connective tissue maintained its functional integrity after this treatment. By laser light application to
a Histoacryl® block, a hole could be created into the block thus indicating the possibility of recanalization. Treatment
with laser energy resulted in shrinkage of the ductal lumen. The laser application generally caused necrosis in the
epithelium and induced formation of vacuoles in the underlying connective tissue. As described for endoluminal
varicose treatment, this distinct local reaction might result in an intense inflammation leading to a functional
occlusion of the vas deferens.
Conclusions: Both laser-induced occlusion and application of Histoacryl® are fast and simple techniques which may
be able to achieve a functional occlusion of the seminal duct. The application of Histoacryl® additionally may be
easily reversible by laser treatment.
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