The authors have no acknowledgments.

All patients provided a signed written informed consent and the approval of the local Ethics Committee (EC/2014/0438) was obtained.
NOTE: The inclusion criteria for the presented protocol were: male; age &#8805;18 years; signed written informed consent; fit for operation; isolated urethral stricture; urethral stricture &#8804;3 cm; urethral stricture only at the bulbar or membranous site. The exclusion criteria were: female; transgender; age &#60;18 years; absence of signed written informed consent; unfit for operation; &#62;1 concomitant urethral strictures; urethral stricture &#62;3 cm; urethral stricture outside of the bulbar or membranous site.
1. Preoperative Work-up
<ol>
	<li>Evaluate the patient through history taking, physical examination, and uroflowmetry followed by an ultrasonic residual volume measurement.</li>
	<li>Confirm the presence of a stricture by urethrography (retrograde and/ or antegrade). If there is any doubt, additionally perform urethroscopy.</li>
	<li>After the appropriate diagnosis, schedule patients with isolated short bulbar urethral strictures or with strictures at the membranous urethra for urethroplasty by vessel-sparing excision and primary anastomosis (vsEPA). Plan the surgery at least 3 months after any urethral manipulation including catheter use, dilation, or direct vision internal urethrotomy (DVIU). In the case of urinary retention, place a suprapubic catheter to ensure urinary derivation. In the case of pelvic fracture-related urethral injuries, perform urethroplasty at least 3 months after the initial trauma.</li>
	<li>Perform preoperative investigations to evaluate the patient&#8217;s fitness for operation as prescribed by local guidelines. If necessary, conduct therapeutic interventions accordingly.</li>
	<li>One week before surgery, perform a urine culture with an antibiogram and, in the case of a urinary infection, start the appropriate antibiotics 24 h before surgery. If there is no urinary infection, administer a single shot of 1 g of cefazoline (dissolved in 10 cc of NaCl, 0.9%) intravenously (through the peripheral venous catheter using a 20 cc syringe and an 18 G needle) at the start of the operation.</li>
	<li>Obtain routine venous thrombo-embolism prophylaxis by the administration of compression stockings.</li>
	<li>Keep the patients sober at least 6 h before surgery.</li>
</ol>
2. Initiation of Surgical Procedure
NOTE: The following steps take place after the surgical safety checklist and the administration of general anesthesia.
<ol>
	<li>Patient&#8217;s positioning
	<ol>
		<li>Place the patient on the operating table in a supine position.</li>
		<li>Place the patient in a modified lithotomy position in which the knees and the hips are flexed 60&#8211;90&#176; with 45&#176; of abduction and the feet and calves are supported in supportive boots or leg holders. Make sure the patient&#8217;s buttocks slightly pass the caudal border of the operating table to provide sufficient accessibility. Check extensively for areas with excessive compression to prevent neurovascular compression syndromes.</li>
		<li>If necessary, obtain a 10&#8211;15&#176; Trendelenburg position to fully visualize the diseased urethra.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
	<li>Start-up of the surgical procedure
	<ol>
		<li>Shave and disinfect the exposed perineum and external genitals using an iodine-based scrub as antiseptic.</li>
		<li>In the case of the presence of a suprapubic catheter, instill the bladder with 100 mL of diluted (10%) iodine-based scrub.</li>
		<li>Create a sterile operating field by the administration of sterile drapes. Keep the operating field as small as possible and include the penis and scrotum without the anus. In the case of the presence of a suprapubic catheter, include this in the operating field to ensure suprapubic access to the urethra, if necessary.</li>
		<li>As the surgeon is seated between the legs of the patient, position an assistant next to him/ her and place the instrumentalist on the left side of the patient, handing over the instruments from above the operating field.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
</ol>
3. Surgical Procedure
<ol>
	<li>Accessing the bulbar urethra
	<ol>
		<li>Make a midline perineal skin incision using a scalpel (blade number 24) and dissect the subcutaneous fat tissue through Colles&#8217; fascia with a monopolar electrocauter (coagulation and cutting mode on 25 Watt and pure) until the bulbospongious muscle is encountered. Coagulate any bleeding vessels with the monopolar electrocauter.</li>
		<li>Incise the bulbospongious muscle at the midline using a surgical blade number 24 and dissect it away from the underlying corpus spongiosum with Jones scissors.</li>
		<li>Fix the bulbospongious muscle at the perineal skin using 4 silk 2-0 stay sutures and ensure further surgical exposure by a self-retaining retractor: attach the hooks of the elastic stays to the bulbospongious muscle, create sufficient traction, and secure the elastics to one of the slots of the retractor (Figure 1).</li>
		<li>Identify the bulbar urethra.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
	<li>Mobilization of the bulbar urethra
	<ol>
		<li>Dissect the bulbar urethra circumferentially in a sharp fashion with Jones scissors starting at the mid-bulbar region. Incise Buck&#8217;s fascia on each side of the bulbar urethra with Jones scissors allowing a further dorsal dissection of the urethra and a detachment of the dorsal Buck&#8217;s fascia from the tunica albuginea of the corpora cavernosa.</li>
		<li>Encircle the bulbar urethra with a vessel loop and secure it with a Kocher clamp to facilitate manipulation (Figure 2).</li>
		<li>First, continue the dorsal dissection and detachment in the distal direction, towards the penoscrotal angle. Use sharp scissors dissection, closely follow Buck&#8217;s fascia in this dorsal detachment as it provides a rather avascular surgical plane. Coagulate the communicating vessels between the corpus spongiosum and the corpora cavernosa with a monopolar electrocauter.</li>
		<li>Continue the dorsal dissection proximally, towards the urogenital diaphragm. Do not dissect the bulb of the corpus spongiosum at the anal side and leave the perineal body intact.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
	<li>Opening of the stricture
	<ol>
		<li>Introduce a 20Fr silicone urethral catheter&#160;or a 20Fr metal sound in the meatus urethrae and pass it up toward the distal extent of the urethral stricture.</li>
		<li>At this level, open the urethra dorsally in a longitudinal fashion (dorsal stricturotomy) using a scalpel (blade number 15 or 24).</li>
		<li>Place 2 silk 3-0 stay sutures (1 on each side of the opened urethra) to facilitate the exposure of the urethral lumen.</li>
		<li>Insert a 3Fr ureteral catheter through the dorsally-opened urethra and pass it up proximally through the strictured area.</li>
		<li>Further open the stricture on this 3Fr ureteral catheter using Jones scissors or a surgical blade number 15 until healthy urethral tissue is encountered.</li>
		<li>Evaluate the patency and caliber of the proximal urethra by introducing a 20Fr metal sound and move it up toward the bladder.</li>
		<li>Place 2 silk 3-0 stay sutures (1 on each side) on the opened proximal urethra.</li>
		<li>For bulbar strictures, resect the stricture as well as the surrounding spongiofibrosis using Jones scissors until healthy spongious tissue is encountered ventrally. Leave this healthy spongious tissue intact.</li>
		<li>For strictures at the membranous urethra, fully resect the scar tissue using Jones scissors or a surgical blade number 15 until the apex of the prostate is reached. After the removal of the suprapubic catheter, introduce a cystoscope through the suprapubic tract to facilitate the identification of the prostatic apex.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
	<li>Urethral anastomosis
	<ol>
		<li>If necessary, split the corpora cavernosa to shorten the distance towards the proximal urethra. Use a surgical blade number 15 on the midline between the corpora cavernosa and once the avascular plane between both corpora is encountered, continue with a blunt dissection.</li>
		<li>Grasp the urethral mucosa with a DeBakey forceps with a large grip.</li>
		<li>In the case of a bulbar stricture
		<ol>
			<li>Create the ventral urethral plate by suturing the ventral ends of the proximal and distal urethra from the inside of the urethral lumen using interrupted 4-0 sutures (polyglactin 910).</li>
			<li>Dorsally, spatulate the healthy urethral edges for about 1 cm using Jones scissors and remove the stay sutures.</li>
			<li>Close the dorsal edges of the urethral ends transversely over a 20Fr silicone urethral catheter with interrupted 4-0 sutures (polyglactin 910).</li>
			<li>Close the corpus spongiosum over the urethra (spongioplasty) using 4-0 sutures (polyglactin 910).</li>
		</ol>
		</li>
		<li>In the case of a stricture or obliteration at the membranous urethra
		<ol>
			<li>Spatulate the distal urethral end dorsally and the proximal urethral end ventrally over 1 cm using Jones scissors.</li>
			<li>Place eight 4-0 sutures (polyglactin 910) and pass a 20Fr silicone urethral catheter into the bladder.</li>
		</ol>
		</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
	<li>Catheter drain and wound closure
	<ol>
		<li>Leave a 20Fr silicone urethral catheter in place.</li>
		<li>Leave a 10Fr suction drain behind between the corpus spongiosum and the bulbospongious muscle. Perforate the skin of the right inguinal region with the 10Fr drain needle. Cut the needle off.</li>
		<li>Cut the stay sutures with Mayo-Stille scissors, remove the retractor, and close the bulbospongious muscle over the underlying urethra, corpus spongiosum, and suction drain using a 3-0 running suture (polyglactin 910).</li>
		<li>Suture Colles&#8217; fascia in a running fashion, also using a 3-0 suture (polyglactin 910). Suture the skin with interrupted Donati stitches using 3-0 sutures (polyglactin 910).</li>
		<li>Fix the suction drain at the groin using a silk 2-0 suture and attach the suction drain to the vacuum flask. Apply a perineal compressive dressing.</li>
		<li>Flip the penis and transurethral catheter toward the lower abdomen and keep them in place by supporting and compressive underwear.</li>
		<li>If a suprapubic catheter was present, remove this, except in the case of previous irradiation.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
</ol>
4. Postoperative Care
<ol>
	<li>After recovery, bring the patient to his room and provide standard postoperative care.</li>
	<li>Remove the suction drain after 24 h.</li>
	<li>In the case of a preoperatively established urinary infection, continue the antibiotic treatment regimen as prescribed.</li>
	<li>Disinfect the perineal wound repeatedly and use a hair dryer 3&#8211;5x a day to keep the wound dry and neat.</li>
	<li>In the case of no major complications, discharge the patient from the hospital on postoperative day 2 with the indwelling transurethral catheter in place. Give further instructions, especially regarding wound care, and foresee an appointment to remove the catheter.</li>
</ol>
5. Follow-up Visits
<ol>
	<li>After 7 (simple repair) to 14 days (irradiated cases), perform a voiding cystourethrography (VCUG) and, if there is no or insignificant contrast leakage, remove the transurethral catheter. In the case of significant extravasation, replace the transurethral catheter and perform the VCUG again 1 week later.</li>
	<li>Schedule follow-up visits 3 months postoperatively, 12 months postoperatively, and annually thereafter. During these visits, evaluate the patient through history taking, a physical examination, uroflowmetry, and an ultrasonic residual volume measurement. Perform further technical investigations such as retrograde urethrography (RUG), VCUG, or urethroscopy only in the case of arguments for stricture recurrence such as symptoms, an obstructive voiding curve, or high residual urinary volumes.</li>
	<li>Define surgical failure as stricture recurrence requiring additional urethral manipulation, including dilation.</li>
</ol>

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The authors have nothing to disclose.

Urethral stricture repair by vessel-sparing excision and primary anastomosis was initially performed at Ghent University Hospital in 2010. Thereafter, it became a standard of practice in the hospital&#39;s management of patients with isolated short bulbar or posterior urethral strictures. As the bulb remains attached to the perineal body, access to the posterior urethra and the resection of the fibrotic tissue at that site can be compromised. A distortion of the pubic rami due to a pelvic fracture might further impede accessibility. If this is the case and a full resection cannot be accomplished because of poor access, a peroperative decision is made to perform a transecting procedure with the ligation of the bulbar arteries and the detachment of the bulb away from the perineal body. The described protocol gives an elaborate, step-by-step overview of the experience at Ghent University Hospital, a tertiary referral center for urethral stricture disease.
Although the protocol offers an extensive description, some crucial steps call for extra attention. A successful procedure starts with a correct indication. Patients with isolated short bulbar or posterior urethral strictures are ideal candidates for this approach3,4,14,15,16.
In order to successfully perform an anastomotic repair urethroplasty, both urethral ends need to be well-vascularized and the anastomosis must be completed in a tension-free way. Therefore, as the bulbar urethra has a limited elasticity, traditionally, only strictures up to 3 cm were treated with EPA. In 2006, however, Morey et al. reported equivalent success rates in strictures of up to 5 cm treated with anastomotic repair urethroplasty3,4,19. By splitting the corpora cavernosa, strictures up to 5 cm might indeed be treated successfully with EPA.
Nevertheless, the patient series investigated by Morey et al. consisted of 11 patients in each group and the mean follow-up was only 22 months. Furthermore, the estimation of the stricture length based upon preoperative investigations should be interpreted carefully, as conventional urethrography might underestimate the actual stricture length at the bulbar site. Nash et al. reported a correlation of only 0.69 between conventional urethrography and peroperative length measurements of bulbar urethral strictures20. The telescopic effect in a two-dimensional urethrogram and the different stricture appearances according to the patient&#39;s positioning and penile traction might explain this result20.
An underestimation of the stricture length might lead to a peroperative conversion from an anastomotic repair to an augmented repair using a free graft or a pedicled flap. Since the procedure involves a dorsal stricturotomy, a conversion towards a dorsal onlay graft urethroplasty (&#39;Barbagli procedure&#39;) is most likely21,22. For this reason, it is of the greatest importance that the surgeon performing the operation masters a variety of urethroplasty techniques in order to address this issue.
Another point of attention is timing, as the introduction of even a small caliber instrument in the urethra may rupture the stricture, causing a significant problem in determining the distal extent of the urethral stricture as discussed in step 3.3.1. This, in turn, could lead to an insufficient urethroplasty procedure leaving fibrotic tissue, and, thus, stricture disease, behind. Therefore, any urethral manipulation must be avoided at least 3 months before surgery23.
Regarding surgical technique, the described procedure differs from the original vessel-sparing variant of Jordan et al. in which the bulbar arteries are dissected free at the bulb of the corpus spongiosum in order to retract them6. In fact, this is unnecessary, time-consuming, and causes more surgical trauma8. Furthermore, the duration of the catheter stay forms another important issue but is still a matter of debate. However, Poelaert et al. concluded that in uncomplicated cases, the catheter can be removed safely after 8&#8211;10 days postoperatively24.
Regarding the reported results, the bulbar and posterior vsEPA were also considered separately. Comparing these groups is not the focus of this paper, as it is clinically irrelevant, given the fundamentally different nature of the stricture etiology, pathogenesis, and management. Nevertheless, some noteworthy differences were encountered and are worth putting in perspective. The differences in follow-up are most likely coincidental, but the longer strictures in the posterior vsEPA group can be explained by the fact that the posterior strictures were predominantly caused by pelvic trauma resulting in urethral disruption injuries and the subsequent obliteration or extensive stricture formation at the membranous urethra25. This can also explain the higher U-score of the posterior vsEPA group, as this score is partly based on the stricture length17. Posterior urethral strictures caused by external trauma are&#8212;in acute setting&#8212;managed with the placement of a suprapubic catheter to ensure urinary derivation and to reduce the risk of urinary extravasation14. This, in turn, explains the differences in the presence of suprapubic catheters and, as suprapubic catheters involve a substantial risk of infection, the differences in preoperatively established urinary infections. Due to the more complex character of the strictures in the posterior vsEPA group, their operation time and catheter stay were longer. Posterior strictures require further proximal dissection and a cystoscope can be introduced in the suprapubic tract to facilitate the identification of the prostatic apex which further contributes to a longer operation time in these patients. The complication rate was low and mainly consisted of low-grade complications, which is in line with the experience at other centers10.
Nine patients, consisting of 6 patients from the bulbar vsEPA group and 3 patients from the posterior vsEPA group, were considered a surgical failure. This corresponds to a success rate of 93.4% and 88.5% for the bulbar and the posterior vsEPA group, respectively. These results are in line with the success rates reported by the ICUD and other centers3,4,8,9,10,11,12,14,15,16. Although Andrich et al. reported failures to occur within the first year after surgery, 2 failures were observed between the second and the fifth postoperative year, underlining the need for a prolonged follow-up in these patients, which is in line with suggestions from Han et al.26,27. It is plausible that a rigid follow-up scheme with cystoscopy would lead to earlier diagnoses of recurrence28. However, every transurethral procedure, even flexible cystoscopy, is potentially harmful to the urethra. Both this and the prevention of overusing technical investigations are the rationale behind the follow-up scheme at Ghent University Hospital, administering further technical investigations only in the case of a suspicion of stricture recurrence.
The major limitation of vsEPA is the anastomosis: it is of the utmost importance to complete the anastomosis without any tension and with 2 well-vascularized urethral ends. Even by splitting the corpora cavernosa, this technique is limited to strictures up to 5 cm. Furthermore, in posterior urethral strictures, the bulbar arteries, as well as the cavernous vasculo-nervous bundles, may already be obliterated due to the pelvic fracture, abolishing the potential benefits of a vessel-sparing approach. Moreover, the anatomical proximity of the membranous urethra to the cavernous vasculo-nervous bundles and the urinary sphincter should be taken into account and, if possible, a sphincter-sparing variant of posterior vsEPA might be superior in terms of continence preservation29. In addition, Blakely et al. reported dorsal onlay graft urethroplasty to be beneficial for continence preservation as well, though in a limited number of patients (n = 16)30. Future studies directly comparing the surgical outcome of the vessel-sparing and transecting technique are required, as are studies comparing the functional outcome of both techniques with validated questionnaires. So far, Le et al. performed a randomized controlled trial (RCT) in 23 patients with traumatic posterior urethral strictures15. In the near future, an RCT will be set up for bulbar urethral strictures in which vsEPA and tEPA will be compared for both their surgical and functional outcome.
To conclude, vsEPA, as outlined in the protocol, provides excellent success rates with low complication rates for isolated short bulbar and posterior urethral strictures.

Urethroplasty is considered the standard treatment for urethral strictures as it provides excellent long-term success rates1,2. A numerous amount of surgical techniques has been described, challenging the reconstructive urologist to choose the best approach, considering various stricture modalities such as the number of strictures, the stricture length, the stricture location, the etiology, comorbidities, and previous urethral interventions. For isolated short bulbar urethral strictures, the International Consultation on Urologic Diseases (ICUD) recommends urethroplasty by excision and primary anastomosis (EPA) associated with a composite success rate of 93.8%3,4.
Urethroplasty by EPA embodies an approach in which the entire diseased segment of the urethra is removed and replaced by healthy adjacent urethra without the need for grafts or flaps to bridge the gap. Traditionally, this approach included the full thickness transection of the corpus spongiosum at the level of the stricture5. However, as EPA only requires the excision of the narrowed segment and the surrounding spongiofibrosis, a full thickness transection of the corpus spongiosum, and the dual urethral blood supply within it, is usually unnecessary. Given this background, Jordan et al. introduced the idea of a vessel-sparing approach in 2007, offering a non-transecting alternative to the classic transecting EPA (tEPA)6,7. This vessel-sparing EPA (vsEPA) has been uprising ever since and several centers have&#8212;though slightly modified&#8212;implemented this technique in their surgical repertoire8,9,10,11,12.
The vessel-sparing technique aims to reduce surgical trauma, especially to the dual arterial blood supply of the urethra embedded in the corpus spongiosum. The preservation of the bulbar arteries potentially reduces the risk of postoperative erectile dysfunction or glans ischemia. Furthermore, it could be beneficial for subsequent urethral interventions such as redo urethroplasty using a free graft, in which a well-vascularized graft bed is imperative8,9. Nevertheless, these potential benefits are only assumptions as prospective studies comparing the functional outcome of both techniques with validated questionnaires are currently lacking.
As important as the functional outcome is, vsEPA should at least be able to provide similar surgical outcomes as tEPA. Promising short-term results have been published and are in line with the success rates reported by the ICUD, but a direct comparison between both techniques has, so far, not been performed3,4,8,9,10,11,12.
Pelvic fracture-related urethral injuries are associated with scar tissue formation and a subsequent urethral stricture or complete obliteration of the membranous urethra. Posterior strictures might also develop after surgery or irradiation to the prostate13. For these strictures, urethroplasty with the excision of the scar tissue and bulbo-prostatic anastomosis is recommended as well14. Traditionally, the bulbar arteries were ligated during this procedure if not already obliterated due to the pelvic fracture. To avoid this, a vessel-sparing variant has been introduced and reported as well15,16.
The aim of this paper is to give an elaborate, step-by-step overview of how to manage patients with isolated short bulbar or posterior urethral strictures with vsEPA. The main scope is to outline and visualize the surgical technique and to report the representative surgical outcome. An evaluation of the functional outcome parameters is beyond the scope of this paper.

<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="790">
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			<td height="21" style="height:21px;width:299px;">Mayo-Stille scissor 17 cm (1)</td>
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</table>

vessel-sparing excision and primary anastomosis

Urethroplasty is considered to be the standard treatment for urethral strictures since it provides excellent long-term success rates. For isolated short bulbar or posterior urethral strictures, urethroplasty by excision and primary anastomosis (EPA) is recommended. As EPA only requires the excision of the narrowed segment and the surrounding spongiofibrosis, a full-thickness transection of the corpus spongiosum, as performed in the traditional transecting EPA (tEPA), is usually unnecessary. Jordan et al. introduced the idea of a vessel-sparing approach in 2007, aiming to reduce surgical trauma, especially to the dual arterial blood supply of the urethra, and, thus, potentially reducing the risk of postoperative erectile dysfunction or glans ischemia. This approach could also be beneficial for subsequent urethral interventions such as redo urethroplasty using a free graft, in which a well-vascularized graft bed is imperative. Nevertheless, these potential benefits are only assumptions as prospective studies comparing the functional outcome of both techniques with validated questionnaires are currently lacking. Moreover, vessel-sparing EPA (vsEPA) should at least be able to provide similar surgical outcomes as tEPA. The aim of this paper is to give an elaborate, step-by-step overview of how to manage patients with isolated short bulbar or posterior urethral strictures with vsEPA. The main objective of this manuscript is to outline the surgical technique and to report the representative surgical outcome. A total of 117 patients were managed according to the described protocol. The analysis was performed on the entire patient cohort and on the bulbar (n = 91) and posterior (n = 26) vsEPA group separately. Success rates were 93.4% and 88.5% for the bulbar and posterior vsEPA, respectively. To conclude, vsEPA, as outlined in the protocol, provides excellent success rates with low complication rates for isolated short bulbar and posterior urethral strictures.

Between 2011 and 2017, a total of 117 patients with isolated short bulbar (n = 91) or posterior (n = 26) urethral strictures were treated with vsEPA at Ghent University Hospital. The baseline characteristics are displayed in Table 1. The median follow-up was 35 and 45 months for bulbar and posterior strictures, respectively. The strictures were longer in the patients who underwent posterior vsEPA and, accordingly, the number of patients with a calculated U-score of 5 was higher in this group17. In contrast to the bulbar vsEPA group, posterior strictures were predominantly traumatic (57.7%), whereas the bulbar vsEPA group mainly consisted of idiopathic urethral strictures (45.3%). Iatrogenic strictures at the bulbar site were largely caused by prior catheter use (6.6%) or a transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) (18.7%), whereas posterior strictures occurred after irradiation, radical prostatectomy, or TURP in respectively 5 (19.2%), 3 (11.5%), and 4 (15.4%) patients. Traumatic posterior strictures were documented as &#39;complete obliteration&#39; and &#39;incomplete obliteration&#39; in, respectively, 5 (19.2%) and 10 (38.5%) patients. Seven of these patients were treated with a prior realignment procedure (2 open and 5 endoscopically) after the initial urethral disruption injury. A vast majority of the total patient cohort (82.1%) underwent prior urethral interventions, either open or endoscopically. The posterior vsEPA group, however, contained more patients without any former urethral intervention. Furthermore, the presence of a suprapubic catheter and a urinary infection was higher in the patients with posterior urethral strictures.
Per- and postoperative characteristics are displayed in Table 2. The median hospital stay and the catheter dwell time were 2 and 10 days, respectively. The operation time and the catheter stay were longer in the posterior vsEPA group. A total of 7 patients (6.6%) showed significant extravasation at the first VCUG and needed a catheter reinsertion for at least 1 week. The complication rate (23.9%) was comparable between the groups and mainly consisted of low-grade complications (Clavien-Dindo grade 1&#8211;2: 23.0%) such as wound dehiscence, wound infection, urinary infection, bladders spasms, and hematoma. One of the encountered hematomas required surgical drainage under general anesthesia and was categorized as a 3b complication according to the Clavien-Dindo classification18.
Nine patients (7.7%), consisting of 6 patients (6.6%) from the bulbar vsEPA group and 3 patients (11.5%) from the posterior vsEPA group, were considered a surgical failure. Two failures were observed between the second and the fifth postoperative year. The estimated failure-free survival was 95.3%, 95.3%, and 87.0% at, respectively, 1, 2, and 5 years for the bulbar vsEPA group, and 88.3% at 1, 2, and 5 years for the posterior vsEPA group. A Kaplan-Meier curve was constructed and illustrates the failure-free survival rate (Figure 3). The salvage treatment of recurrent urethral strictures consisted of redo urethroplasty, DVIU, dilation, and a combination of urethroplasty and DVIU in, respectively, 5, 2, 1, and 1 patients.
<img alt="Figure 1" class="xfigimg" src="/files/ftp_upload/58214/58214fig1.jpg" /> 
Figure 1: Exposure of the bulbar urethra with a self-retaining retractor. <a href="https://www-jove-com.remotexs.ntu.edu.sg/files/ftp_upload/58214/58214fig1large.jpg" target="_blank">Please click here to view a larger version of this figure.</a>
<img alt="Figure 2" class="xfigimg" src="/files/ftp_upload/58214/58214fig2.jpg" /> 
Figure 2: Mobilization of the bulbar urethra with a vessel loop. <a href="https://www-jove-com.remotexs.ntu.edu.sg/files/ftp_upload/58214/58214fig2large.jpg" target="_blank">Please click here to view a larger version of this figure.</a>
<img alt="Figure 3" class="xfigimg" src="/files/ftp_upload/58214/58214fig3.jpg" /> 
Figure 3: Kaplan-Meier curve for the failure-free survival. vsEPA = vessel-sparing excision and primary anastomosis. <a href="https://www-jove-com.remotexs.ntu.edu.sg/files/ftp_upload/58214/58214fig3large.jpg" target="_blank">Please click here to view a larger version of this figure.</a>
<table border="1" fo:keep-together.within-page="1" fo:keep-with-next.within-page="always">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td></td>
			<td>Total vsEPA (n = 117)</td>
			<td>Bulbar vsEPA (n = 91)</td>
			<td>Posterior vsEPA (n = 26)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Median age (years) (IQR)</td>
			<td>47 (30 - 66)</td>
			<td>44 (29 - 63)</td>
			<td>59 (29 - 73)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Median follow-up (months) (IQR)</td>
			<td>38 (17 - 64)</td>
			<td>35 (15 - 59)</td>
			<td>45 (32 - 77)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Median stricture length (cm) (IQR)</td>
			<td>1.5 (1.0 - 2.0)</td>
			<td>1.5 (1.0 - 2.0)</td>
			<td>2.0 (1.5 - 3.3)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Etiology n (%)</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Idiopathic</td>
			<td>53 (45.3)</td>
			<td>52 (57.1)</td>
			<td>1 (3.8)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Iatrogenic</td>
			<td>37 (31.6)</td>
			<td>27 (29.7)</td>
			<td>10 (38.5)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Catheter</td>
			<td>7 (6.0)</td>
			<td>6 (6.6)</td>
			<td>1 (3.8)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>TURP</td>
			<td>19 (16.2)</td>
			<td>17 (18.7)</td>
			<td>2 (7.7)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Radical prostatectomy</td>
			<td>4 (3.4)</td>
			<td>2 (2.2)</td>
			<td>2 (7.7)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Irradiation</td>
			<td>2 (1.7)</td>
			<td>0</td>
			<td>2 (7.7)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>TURP + irradiation</td>
			<td>3 (2.6)</td>
			<td>1 (1.1)</td>
			<td>2 (7.7)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Radical prostatectomy + irradiation</td>
			<td>1 (0.9)</td>
			<td>0</td>
			<td>1 (3.8)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Failed hypospadias repair</td>
			<td>1 (0.9)</td>
			<td>1 (1.1)</td>
			<td>0</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>External trauma</td>
			<td>23 (19.7)</td>
			<td>8 (8.8)</td>
			<td>15 (57.7)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Inflammatory</td>
			<td>4 (3.4)</td>
			<td>4 (4.4)</td>
			<td>0</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>U-score n (%)</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>4</td>
			<td>96 (82.1)</td>
			<td>82 (90.1)</td>
			<td>14 (53.8)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>5</td>
			<td>20 (17.1)</td>
			<td>9 (9.9)</td>
			<td>11 (42.3)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>6</td>
			<td>1 (0.9)</td>
			<td>0</td>
			<td>1 (3.8)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Prior interventions n (%)</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>None</td>
			<td>21 (17.9)</td>
			<td>11 (12.1)</td>
			<td>10 (38.5)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>1 DVIU or dilation</td>
			<td>33 (28.2)</td>
			<td>27 (29.7)</td>
			<td>6 (23.1)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>&#62; 1 DVIU or dilation</td>
			<td>41 (35.0)</td>
			<td>33 (36.3)</td>
			<td>8 (30.8)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Urethroplasty</td>
			<td>4 (3.4)</td>
			<td>4 (4.4)</td>
			<td>0</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Urethroplasty + DVIU or dilation</td>
			<td>18 (15.4)</td>
			<td>16 (17.6)</td>
			<td>2 (7.7)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Comorbidity n (%)</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Smoking</td>
			<td>13 (11.6)</td>
			<td>9 (10.3)</td>
			<td>4 (16.0)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Diabetes</td>
			<td>8 (7.2)</td>
			<td>4 (4.6)</td>
			<td>4 (15.4)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Cardial comorbidity</td>
			<td>20 (17.9)</td>
			<td>12 (13.8)</td>
			<td>8 (32.0)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Vascular comorbidity</td>
			<td>16 (14.3)</td>
			<td>11 (12.6)</td>
			<td>5 (20.0)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Presence of suprapubic catheter n (%)</td>
			<td>27 (23.1)</td>
			<td>16 (17.6)</td>
			<td>11 (42.3)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Preoperative urinary infection n (%)</td>
			<td>27 (23.1)</td>
			<td>12 (13.2)</td>
			<td>15 (57.7)</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>
Table 1: Baseline characteristics. vsEPA = vessel-sparing excision and primary anastomosis; IQR = interquartile range; cm = centimeters; TURP = transurethral resection of the prostate; DVIU = direct vision internal urethrotomy
<table border="1" fo:keep-together.within-page="1" fo:keep-with-next.within-page="always">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td></td>
			<td>Total vsEPA (n = 117)</td>
			<td>Bulbar vsEPA (n = 91)</td>
			<td>Posterior vsEPA (n = 26)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Median operation time (min) (IQR)</td>
			<td>94 (80 - 108)</td>
			<td>87 (73 - 100)</td>
			<td>109 (100 - 135)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Median hospital stay (days) (IQR)</td>
			<td>2 (1 - 2)</td>
			<td>2 (1 - 2)</td>
			<td>2 (2 - 3)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Median catheter stay (days) (IQR)</td>
			<td>10 (8 - 15)</td>
			<td>9 (8 - 14)</td>
			<td>14 (11 - 16)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Significant extravasation at first VCUG n (%)</td>
			<td>7 (6.6)</td>
			<td>6 (7.4)</td>
			<td>1 (3.8)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Complications (Clavien-Dindo) n (%)</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>None</td>
			<td>89 (76.1)</td>
			<td>68 (74.7)</td>
			<td>21 (80.8)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Grade 1</td>
			<td>17 (14.5)</td>
			<td>14 (15.4)</td>
			<td>3 (11.5)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Grade 2</td>
			<td>10 (8.5)</td>
			<td>8 (8.8)</td>
			<td>2 (7.7)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Grade 3</td>
			<td>1 (0.9)</td>
			<td>1 (1.1)</td>
			<td>0</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Failure n (%)</td>
			<td>9 (7.7)</td>
			<td>6 (6.6)</td>
			<td>3 (11.5)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Estimated failure-free survival % (SD)</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>1y-FFS</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>95.3 (2.3)</td>
			<td>88.3 (6.4)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>2y-FFS</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>95.3 (2.3)</td>
			<td>88.3 (6.4)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>5y-FFS</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>88.3 (5.2)</td>
			<td>88.3 (6.4)</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>
Table 2: Per- and postoperative characteristics. vsEPA = vessel-sparing excision and primary anastomosis; min = minutes; IQR = interquartile range; VCUG = voiding cystourethrography; SD = standard deviation; FFS = failure-free survival

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Vessel-sparing Excision and Primary Anastomosis at JoVE.com

Vessel-sparing Excision and Primary Anastomosis

Here, we present an elaborate and efficient protocol to treat isolated short bulbar or posterior urethral strictures with vessel-sparing excision and primary anastomosis.

Urethroplasty is considered to be the standard treatment for urethral strictures since it provides excellent long-term success rates. For isolated short ...

vessel-sparing-excision-and-primary-anastomosis

Nanyang Technological University

Research

JoVE Journal

Medicine

11.2K Views.  Ghent University Hospital. Here, we present an elaborate and efficient protocol to treat isolated short bulbar or posterior urethral strictures with vessel-sparing excision and primary anastomosis.

Video: Vessel-sparing Excision and Primary Anastomosis

The C-seal: A Biofragmentable Drain Protecting the Stapled Colorectal Anastomosis from Leakage

Colorectal anastomotic leakage (AL) is a serious complication in colorectal surgery leading to high morbidity and mortality rates1. The incidence of AL varies between 2.5 and 20% 2-5. Over the years, many strategies aimed at lowering the incidence of anastomotic leakage have been examined6, 7. 
The cause of AL is probably multifactorial. Etiological factors include insufficient arterial blood supply, tension on the anastomosis, hematoma and/or infection at the anastomotic site, and co-morbid factors of the patient as diabetes and atherosclerosis8. Furthermore, some anastomoses may be insufficient from the start due to technical failure.
Currently a new device is developed in our institute aimed at protecting the colorectal anastomosis and lowering the incidence of AL. This so called C-seal is a biofragmentable drain, which is stapled to the anastomosis with the circular stapler. It covers the luminal side of the colorectal anastomosis thereby preventing leakage.
The C-seal is a thin-walled tube-like drain, with an approximate diameter of 4 cm and an approximate length of 25 cm (figure 1). It is a tubular device composed of biodegradable polyurethane. Two flaps with adhesive tape are found at one end of the tube. These flaps are used to attach the C-seal to the anvil of the circular stapler, so that after the anastomosis is made the C-seal can be pulled through the anus. The C-seal remains in situ for at least 10 days. Thereafter it will lose strength and will degrade to be secreted from the body together with the gastrointestinal natural contents.
The C-seal does not prevent the formation of dehiscences. However, it prevents extravasation of faeces into the peritoneal cavity. This means that a gap at the anastomotic site does not lead to leakage.
Currently, a phase II study testing the C-seal in 35 patients undergoing (colo-)rectal resection with stapled anastomosis is recruiting. The C-seal can be used in both open procedures as well as laparoscopic procedures. The C-seal is only applied in stapled anastomoses within 15cm from the anal verge. In the video, application of the C-seal is shown in an open extended sigmoid resection in a patient suffering from diverticular disease with a stenotic colon.

The C-seal is a biofragmentable drain protecting the stapled colorectal anastomosis. In this video, details of the manufacturing, deployment and use are shown.

Colorectal anastomotic leakage (AL) is a serious complication in colorectal surgery leading to high morbidity and mortality rates1. The incidence of AL ...

Adult Mouse Venous Hypertension Model: Common Carotid Artery to External Jugular Vein Anastomosis.

The understanding of the pathophysiology of brain arteriovenous malformations and arteriovenous fistulas has improved thanks to animal models. A rat model creating an artificial fistula between the common carotid artery (CCA) and the external jugular vein (EJV) has been widely described and proved technically feasible. This construct provokes a consistent cerebral venous hypertension (CVH), and therefore has helped studying the contribution of venous hypertension to formation, clinical symptoms, and prognosis of brain AVMs and dural AVFs. Equivalent mice models have been only scarcely described and have shown trouble with stenosis of the fistula. An established murine model would allow the study of not only pathophysiology but also potential genetic therapies for these cerebrovascular diseases.
We present a model of arteriovenous fistula that produces a durable intracranial venous hypertension in the mouse. Microsurgical anastomosis of the murine CCA and EJV can be difficult due to diminutive anatomy and frequently result in a non-patent fistula. In this step-by-step protocol we address all the important challenges encountered during this procedure. Avoiding excessive retraction of the vein during the exposure, using 11-0 sutures instead of 10-0, and making a carefully planned end-to-side anastomosis are some of the critical steps. Although this method requires advanced microsurgical skills and a longer learning curve that the equivalent in the rat, it can be consistently developed.
This novel model has been designed to integrate transgenic mouse techniques with a previously well-established experimental system that has proved useful to study brain AVMs and dural AVFs. By opening the possibility of using transgenic mice, a broader spectrum of valid models can be achieved and genetic treatments can also be tested. The experimental construct could also be further adapted to the study of other cerebrovascular diseases related with venous hypertension such as migraine, transient global amnesia, transient monocular blindness, etc.

We describe a method for creating a reliable model of cerebral venous hypertension in the adult mouse. This model has been widely described and tested in the rat. This new counterpart in the mice opens the possibility of using genetic modified animals and thereby broadens the applications of the model.

The understanding of the pathophysiology of brain arteriovenous malformations and arteriovenous fistulas has improved thanks to animal models. A rat model ...

Murine Ileocolic Bowel Resection with Primary Anastomosis

Intestinal resections are frequently required for treatment of diseases involving the gastrointestinal tract, with Crohn&#8217;s disease and colon cancer being two common examples. Despite the frequency of these procedures, a significant knowledge gap remains in describing the inherent effects of intestinal resection on host physiology and disease pathophysiology. This article provides detailed instructions for an ileocolic resection with primary end-to-end anastomosis in mice, as well as essential aspects of peri-operative care to maximize post-operative success. When followed closely, this procedure yields a 95% long-term survival rate, no failure to thrive, and minimizes post-operative complications of bowel obstruction and anastomotic leak. The technical challenges of performing the procedure in mice are a barrier to its wide spread use in research. The skills described in this article can be acquired without previous surgical experience. Once mastered, the murine ileocolic resection procedure will provide a reproducible tool for studying the effects of intestinal resection in models of human disease.

Ileocolic resection is commonly performed in several human diseases; however, little is known regarding the impact of intestinal resection on surgical illnesses. This article provides instruction on executing the procedure in mice with high success, providing a means to study the effects of ileocolic resection in models of disease.

Intestinal resections are frequently required for treatment of diseases involving the gastrointestinal tract, with Crohn&#8217;s disease and colon cancer ...

Isolation and Excision of Murine Aorta; A Versatile Technique in the Study of Cardiovascular Disease

Cardiovascular disease is a broad term describing disease of the heart and/or blood vessels. The main blood vessel supplying the body with oxygenated blood is the aorta. The aorta may become affected in diseases such as atherosclerosis and aneurysm. Researchers investigating these diseases would benefit from direct observation of the aorta to characterize disease progression as well as to evaluate efficacy of potential therapeutics. The goal of this protocol is to describe proper isolation and excision of the aorta to aid investigators researching cardiovascular disease. Isolation and excision of the aorta allows investigators to look at gross morphometric changes as wells as allowing them to preserve and stain the tissue to look at histologic changes if desired. The aorta may be used for molecular studies to evaluate protein and gene expression to discover targets of interest and mechanisms of action. This technique is superior to imaging modalities as they have inherent limitations in technology and cost. Additionally, primary isolated cells from a freshly isolated and excised aorta can allowing researchers to perform further in situ and in vitro assays. The isolation and excision of the aorta has the limitation of having to sacrifice the animal however, in this case the benefits outweigh the harm as it is the most versatile technique in the study of aortic disease.

Pathology of the aorta can lead to severe morbidity and mortality, therefore research of disease progression and potential therapies is warranted. Here, we present a protocol to isolate and excise the murine aorta to aid researchers in their investigation of cardiovascular disease.

Cardiovascular disease is a broad term describing disease of the heart and/or blood vessels. The main blood vessel supplying the body with oxygenated ...

Localization, Identification, and Excision of Murine Adipose Depots

Obesity has increased dramatically in the last few decades and affects over one third of the adult US population. The economic effect of obesity in 2005 reached a staggering sum of $190.2 billion in direct medical costs alone. Obesity is a major risk factor for a wide host of diseases. Historically, little was known regarding adipose and its major and essential functions in the body. Brown and white adipose are the two main types of adipose but current literature has identified a new type of fat called brite or beige adipose. Research has shown that adipose depots have specific metabolic profiles and certain depots allow for a propensity for obesity and other related disorders. The goal of this protocol is to provide researchers the capacity to identify and excise adipose depots that will allow for the analysis of different factorial effects on adipose; as well as the beneficial or detrimental role adipose plays in disease and overall health. Isolation and excision of adipose depots allows investigators to look at gross morphological changes as well as histological changes. The adipose isolated can also be used for molecular studies to evaluate transcriptional and translational change or for in vitro experimentation to discover targets of interest and mechanisms of action. This technique is superior to other published techniques due to the design allowing for isolation of multiple depots with simplicity and minimal contamination.

Due to the drastic and negative connection between obesity and other comorbidities, research on the role adipose plays in disease and overall health is warranted. We present a protocol for the isolation and excision of adipose depots allowing for the study of adipose using in situ and in vitro methods.

Obesity has increased dramatically in the last few decades and affects over one third of the adult US population. The economic effect of obesity in 2005 ...

Application of End-to-end Anastomosis in Robotic Central Pancreatectomy

Central pancreatectomy is carried out for the treatment of benign or low-malignant potential tumors located in the pancreatic neck or proximal part of pancreatic body. With technological development, the robotic surgical system has shown its advantage in minimally invasive surgery and been increasingly applied in central pancreatectomy. However, reconstruction of the continuity of pancreas with end-to-end anastomosis after robotic central pancreatectomy has not been applied. In this study, we report surgical techniques for robotic central pancreatectomy with end-to-end anastomosis. The pancreas is reconstructed by duct-to-duct anastomosis of the pancreatic duct with a pancreatic stent inserted in the two stumps of pancreatic duct, and by end-to-end anastomosis of the pancreatic parenchyma. Compared with traditional central pancreatectomy with pancreaticoenteric anastomosis, this approach decreases the operative injury to the patient, and also conserves the integrity and continuity of the digestive duct and pancreatic duct. The robotic surgical system integrated with multiple instruments with flexible and precise movement is particularly suitable for the dissection and reconstruction of the pancreatic duct. We found that robotic central pancreatectomy with end-to-end anastomosis is safe and feasible, and we need more experience to evaluate its best indications and long-term outcomes.

The robotic central pancreatectomy with end-to-end anastomosis is feasible and safe for tumor in the pancreatic neck and proximal portion of pancreatic body. The operative techniques of this operation are presented.

Central pancreatectomy is carried out for the treatment of benign or low-malignant potential tumors located in the pancreatic neck or proximal part of ...

Creation of Colonic Anastomosis in Mice

Intestinal anastomoses are commonly performed in both elective and emergent operations. Even so, anastomotic leaks are a highly feared complications of colonic surgeries and can occur in up to 26% of surgical anastomoses, with mortality being up to 39% for patients with such a leak. Currently, there remains a paucity of data detailing the cellular mechanisms of anastomotic healing. Devising preventative strategies and treatment modalities for anastomotic leak could be greatly potentiated by a better understanding of appropriate anastomotic healing.
A murine model is ideal as previous studies have shown that the murine anastomosis is the most clinically similar to the human case as compared with other animal models. We offer an easily reproducible murine model of colonic anastomosis in mice that will allow for further illustration of anastomotic healing.

Anastomotic leak or breakdown after surgery is a major cause of postoperative morbidity and mortality. Our surgery for creating a colonic anastomosis is a reliable and reproducible method for studying the healing mechanisms of anastomoses.

Intestinal anastomoses are commonly performed in both elective and emergent operations. Even so, anastomotic leaks are a highly feared complications of ...

One-anastomosis Gastric Bypass (OAGB) in Rats

The goal of this protocol is to set up a preclinical model of bariatric surgery and, more specifically, OAGB in obese rats. Based on this preclinical model, longitudinal studies can be carried out to provide an improved understanding of the mechanisms underlying the outcomes seen after bariatric surgery in humans. For this purpose, rats are operated on through a laparotomy under general anesthesia with isoflurane. First, the surgeon creates a long and tubular gastric pouch: after greater curve and hiatal dissection, the nonglandular stomach is stapled and removed. Then, the remaining stomach is also stapled in order to create a gastric tube and exclude the antrum of the stomach. After that, the surgeon performs a single end-to-side gastrojejunostomy 35 cm from the duodenojejunal angle. This limb length has been chosen in order to reproduce the same ratio between the biliopancreatic limb (BPL) and common limb (CL) length as in human bariatric surgery. The operation ends by aponeurotic and cutaneous closure. The early postoperative management consists of subcutaneous hydration, an intramuscular prophylactic antibiotic injection, a parietal injection of xylocaine, the administration of painkillers, and a progressive reintroduction of diet.

One-anastomosis Gastric Bypass OAGB in Rats

This protocol is for the performance of one-anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB) on rat. The operator performs a long and tubular-stapled gastric pouch followed by hand-sewn anastomosis. For this model, the operator reproduces the same ratio between biliopancreatic and common limb in humans; therefore, the biliopancreatic limb measures 35 cm.

The goal of this protocol is to set up a preclinical model of bariatric surgery and, more specifically, OAGB in obese rats. Based on this preclinical ...

Vessel-Sparing Microsurgical Longitudinal Intussusception Vasoepididymostomy to Treat Epididymal Obstructive Azoospermia

The epididymis is a common site of obstruction in obstructive azoospermia (OA). Vasoepididymostomy has become an important method for the treatment of epididymal OA since 2000. There are two challenges in classic microscopic vasoepididymostomy. First, anastomosis of the vas deferens and epididymis is performed with double-needle sutures. However, there is a lack of good-quality and cost-effective double-needle sutures in China, which leads to increased difficulty and poor success rates of anastomosis. Second, the separation of the vas deferens does not retain vasculature, although the vas deferens vasculature plays an important role in the blood supply to the vas deferens, epididymis, and testis. This affects the blood supply to the anastomotic area and epididymis.
Therefore, this team has made innovative improvements to address these problems. Good-quality, cost-effective, single-needle sutures, which are easy to purchase in China and other countries, were used in microsurgical longitudinal intussusception vasoepididymostomy. This can optimize the operation procedure and shorten the operation time while ensuring the success rate of the anastomosis. The surgical method of preserving the vas deferens vessels was innovatively proposed because the etiology of epididymal OA is mostly inflammatory in China. The protection of the blood supply to the vas deferens and epididymis is maximized using microsurgical forceps to separate and protect the vasculature. Patency reached 81.7% in the postoperative follow-up, indicating a better surgical treatment effect.

The present protocol describes a vessel-sparing, longitudinal intussusception vasoepididymostomy using readily available single-needle sutures in China, a safe and effective procedure, which may improve patients' patency and natural pregnancy rates.

The epididymis is a common site of obstruction in obstructive azoospermia (OA). Vasoepididymostomy has become an important method for the treatment of ...

A Modified Vessel-Sparing Microsurgical Vasoepididymostomy

Microsurgical vasoepididymostomy (MVE) is the main surgical treatment for epididymal obstruction. The vasal vessels are ligated during MVE. However, preserving the vasal vessels during MVE might better simulate the normal physiological structure and be meaningful for patients who have undergone varicocelectomy. Nevertheless, preserving the vasal vessels might elevate the risk of increasing the tension of anastomosis, affecting the patency rate and leading to delayed postoperative bleeding. Therefore, we developed a novel vessel-sparing MVE to make it safer. Here is a summary of the improvements to the procedure. 1) The retrograde dissociation of the vasal vessels on the proximal testicular side was adopted as the main method, and the anterograde dissociation of the vasal vessels on the distal testicular side was adopted as a supplement to dissociate the vasal vessels to be preserved. This improvement ensures the blood supply to the vas deferens that will be used for anastomosis and also provides longer vasal vessels, which reduces the tension of anastomosis. 2) By fixing the vas deferens to be anastomosed and the broken end of the vas deferens, the free vasal vessels get fixed, which resolves the problem of transmission of vas tension to the vasal vessels and reduces the risk of vasal vessel hemorrhage. 3) Dissociation of the vas deferens after opening the tunica vaginalis increases the mobilization of the vas deferens, which also makes the new procedure easier to complete. The evaluation of the outcomes of this new procedure showed that no significant postoperative complications occurred in the patients, and the patency rate was no different from that of the conventional procedure. Therefore, this new, improved procedure can be considered safe, with satisfactory postoperative results.

Here, we present a protocol to preserve the vasal vessels in microsurgical vasoepididymostomy. The surgical security is enhanced by preserving the vasal vessels using a retrograde-anterograde dissociation and fixing the vasal vessels.

Microsurgical vasoepididymostomy (MVE) is the main surgical treatment for epididymal obstruction. The vasal vessels are ligated during MVE. However, ...