Robotic vasovasostomy: description of technique and review of initial results

Abstract

Vasovasostomy (VV) for iatrogenic infertility is commonly employed for patients with obstructive intervals of less than 15 years, with the microsurgical technique gaining favor over use of loupe magnification due to precision suture placement. We present our technique of a robot-assisted VV and compare surgical times of staff to resident. Twenty patients with iatrogenic infertility and obstructed intervals of less than 10 years underwent robot-assisted VV, 17 utilizing a single-layer reapproximation and 3 using a double-layer reapproximation. Average patient age was 32.9 years. Following vasal exposure, the staff performed the robot-assisted anastomosis on one side followed by the resident on the opposite side. Reanastomosis times and semen analyses were recorded. Twenty patients underwent successful single- or double-layer robot-assisted vasovasostomy. Mean console time for staff to complete the vasal reconstruction was 37.6 min compared to the resident time of 54 min. Mean total operative time for all procedures was 187 min (single-layer procedure averaged 182 min compared to double-layer repair which averaged 238 min). Thirteen patients returned for follow-up semen analysis, with twelve patients demonstrating sperm within the ejaculate. Additionally, two patients reported pregnancies for a patency rate of 93%. Mean sperm density was 14 million/ml with motility of 26.4%. Robot-assisted vasovasostomy is a technically feasible procedure demonstrating adequate results on follow-up semen analysis, and can be included in training residents in robotic surgery. Additional data are needed to determine its role in the management of iatrogenic infertility.