[Longitudinal intussusception versus end-to-side vasoepididymostomy: Comparison of their recanalization rates].

[OBJECTIVE] To compare the recanalization rate of 2-suture longitudinal intussusception vasoepididymostomy (LIVE) with that of 4-suture end-to-side vasoepididymostomy (ESVE).

[METHODS] This retrospective case-control study included 127 cases of obstructive azoospermia (OA) treated by LIVE (n = 87) or ESVE (n = 40) in our Center of Reproductive Medicine from October 2013 to July 2024. We analyzed the clinical data and compared the age, testis volume, level of serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), operation time and postoperative recanalization rate between the two groups.

[RESULTS] Spermatozoa were observed in 90 (70.9%) of the 127 cases after surgery. There were no statistical differences in age, testis volume and FSH between the two groups of patients (all P > 0. 05), and nor were there any serious surgical complications. The operation time was significantly longer in the ESVE than in the LIVE group (22.0 ［20.0－25.8］ vs 17.0 ［15.0－23.0］ min, P < 0.05), while the postoperative recanalization rate remarkably higher in the former than in the latter group （85.0% vs 64.4%, P < 0.05）. Vasoepididymostomy was performed at the caput epididymis in 11 cases, with a higher recanalization rate in the ESVE than in the LIVE group (50.0% ［1/2］ vs 33.3% ［3/9］).

[CONCLUSION] ESVE achieved a higher postoperative recanalization rate than LIVE in the treatment of OA, but its advantages need further investigation.