A Prospective Comparison of 3 Diagnostic Methods to Evaluate Ejaculatory Duct Obstruction

A rare variant of zinner syndrome with ejaculatory duct cyst: case report and challenges in diagnosis and management

BACKGROUND

Zinner syndrome (ZS) is a congenital malformation characterized by a triad of mesonephric (Wolffian) duct dysplasia, first identified by Zinner in 1914. The classical presentation of ZS includes unilateral renal hypoplasia or dysplasia, ipsilateral seminal vesicle cysts, and obstruction of the ejaculatory duct. This case presents a rare variant of the syndrome, where an ejaculatory duct cyst is observed instead of the typical ipsilateral seminal vesicle cyst. The ejaculatory duct cyst affected the vas deferens bilaterally, leading to bilateral atrophy or erosion of the seminal vesicle glands, and resulted in the absence of seminal fluid, ultimately causing azoospermia and infertility.

CASE PRESENTATION

Prior to surgery, the patient experienced a sensation of incomplete defecation, accompanied by mild anal distension. Two semen analyses revealed azoospermia, and magnetic resonance imaging/magnetic resonance urography indicated the absence of the left renal component and suggested the presence of a seminal vesicle cyst. It was hypothesized that the azoospermia resulted from compression of the contralateral ejaculatory duct by the seminal vesicle cyst on the affected side. Consequently, a decision was made to proceed with laparoscopic resection.During the surgical procedure, no seminal vesicle cyst was identified; however, an ejaculatory duct cyst was discovered, wherein the bilateral vasa deferentia converged without any alternative outlet. The cyst was subsequently resected. Postoperatively, the patient's clinical symptoms resolved, although the issue of infertility remained unaddressed.

CONCLUSION

This case describes a rare Zinner syndrome variant where an ejaculatory duct cyst replaces the seminal vesicle cyst, leading to seminal vesicle atrophy, azoospermia, and infertility. An unreported variant was discovered during surgery, underscoring the importance of preoperative imaging. Laparoscopic removal alleviated symptoms but not infertility, indicating that assisted reproduction might be necessary for ZS-related azoospermia. This case expands knowledge of ZS variants and their impact on fertility.

Azoospermia Due to Functional and Partial Ejaculatory Duct Obstruction: A Rare Case Report and Literature Review

Ejaculatory duct obstruction (EDO) is a rare but treatable cause of male infertility. This case report describes a 28-year-old male with obstructive azoospermia. The patient came to our hospital after a fertility check-up revealed azoospermia. A subsequent semen analysis confirmed azoospermia. Transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed bilaterally enlarged seminal vesicles and thickened, calcified ejaculatory duct walls. The patient underwent transurethral seminal vesiculoscopy and transurethral resection of the ejaculatory ducts (TURED) for presumed partial EDO. Despite two transurethral seminal vesiculoscopy and TURED procedures, postoperative semen analysis still showed azoospermia. TRUS indicated non-contractile seminal vesicles and an unobstructed ejaculatory duct. The patient ultimately underwent percutaneous epididymal sperm aspiration for assisted reproductive technology and his spouse got pregnant. We identified a case of azoospermia caused by a rare combination of partial and functional ejaculatory duct obstruction. There are currently no reports of similar cases. This case report aims to provide valuable insights for diagnosing and treating EDO.

The Utilization of Fine-Needle Vasography to Localize Obstruction of the Male Reproductive Tract

OBJECTIVE

To report our experience using fine-needle vasography (FNV) to identify a site of obstruction and determine candidacy for reconstructive procedures in patients presenting with suspected obstructive azoospermia (OA) or cryptozoospermia.

METHODS

We report a multi-institutional case series of patients with suspected complete or partial OA. Patients that were included had azoospermia or cryptozoospermia, presence of palpable vasa, testicles ≥12 mL, and FSH <7.6 IU/L. All patients underwent testicular biopsy prior to or at the time of FNV to confirm spermatogenesis. FNV was performed using a 25-gauge angiocatheter, with radio-opaque dye visualized under fluoroscopy. Descriptive statistics are reported as median and interquartile range (IQR).

RESULTS

A total of 16 patients underwent vasography from 2014 to 2022 with 3 surgeons. Twelve patients presented with azoospermia, and 4 with cryptozoospermia. A total of 7 (44%) men were found to have distal obstruction on FNV. Of the 8 men with prior inguinal hernia repairs, 2 were confirmed to have an obstruction at the level of the inguinal canal. Of the 6 patients with a history of genitourinary infection, 4 had an obstruction at the level of the epididymis (with normal FNV), while 2 had atresia of the vas deferens in the pelvis.

CONCLUSION

FNV is an effective, minimally invasive way to identify the site of complete or partial obstruction in patients presenting with suspected OA/cryptozoospermia. It additionally permits identification of men who are candidates for epididymovasostomy reconstruction and helps to differentiate between ejaculatory duct obstruction (EDO) and other causes of blockage.

[Surgery to improve male fertility]

BACKGROUND

At a time when increasing attention is being paid to the limitations and risks of in vitro fertilisation techniques, surgeries to improve male fertility are attracting growing interest.

METHODS

Systematic review based on a Pubmed search of surgeries to improve male fertility.

RESULTS

Vasovasostomy (VV) gives patency rates of 70-97% and pregnancy rates of 30-76%. Vasoepididymostomy (VE) gives patency rates of 80-84%, with pregnancy rates of 40-44%. The duration of obstruction and the age of the partner are 2 predictive parameters for the occurrence of a natural pregnancy. In cases of obstructive azoospermia due to pelvic obstruction (prostatic cyst, obstruction of the ejaculatory ducts), several surgical procedures may be proposed. Transurethral resection of the ejaculatory ducts leads to an improvement in sperm parameters in 63-83% of patients, with spontaneous pregnancy occurring in 12-31% of cases. Microsurgical cure of varicocele by the subinguinal route is a benchmark technique with recurrence rates of less than 4%. It improves live birth and pregnancy rates, both naturally and by in vitro fertilization, as well as sperm count, motility and DNA fragmentation rates.

CONCLUSION

Whenever possible, the urologist should present the surgical options for improving male fertility to the ART team and to the couple, discussing the benefit/risk balance of the operation as part of a personalized approach.

Microsurgical Management of Male Infertility: Compelling Evidence That Collaboration with Qualified Male Reproductive Urologists Enhances Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) Outcomes

A male factor plays a significant role in a couple's reproductive success. Today, advances in reproductive technology, such as intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), have allowed it to be possible for just a single sperm to fertilize an egg, thus, overcoming many of the traditional barriers to male fertility, such as a low sperm count, impaired motility, and abnormal morphology. Given these advances in reproductive technology, it has been questioned whether a reproductive urologist is needed for the evaluation and treatment of infertile and subfertile men. In this review, we aim to provide compelling evidence that collaboration between reproductive endocrinologists and reproductive urologists is essential for optimizing a couple's fertility outcomes, as well as for improving the health of infertile men and providing cost-effective care.

Male factor infertility: A contemporary overview of investigation, diagnosis and management

Infertility, defined as the failure to achieve a clinical pregnancy after 1 year of regular, unprotected sexual intercourse, is a public health issue of global concern. It affects up to 12% of couples worldwide. While traditionally, research and treatment have focused on female causes of infertility, male factors contribute to up to 70% of cases and therefore deserve appropriate recognition. The purpose of this comprehensive review is to detail the diagnostic work-up, investigations and management of male factor infertility. We discuss much-debated pathologies, such as varicocele, and novel investigations, including sperm DNA fragmentation and reactive oxygen species.

Level of evidence: Not applicable

Long-Term Success Durability of Transurethral Resection of Ejaculatory Duct in Treating Infertile Men with Ejaculatory Duct Obstruction

Objectives: The current study aimed to evaluate the long-term outcomes of TURED (transurethral resection of the ejaculatory duct) in treating male infertility due to ejaculatory duct obstruction (EDO) to the short-term follow-up. Methods: From 2000 to 2010, we retrospectively reviewed 30 men with infertility resulting from EDO who underwent TURED. Information on preoperative evaluation of patients was collected from the medical records. Standardized semen analysis was performed 6 weeks, 3 months, and 12 months postoperatively, as well as after a 7-year follow-up. Results: The average age of patients was 35.5 ± 2.6. All patients had low ejaculate volume and normal range of the mean serum hormone levels (gonadotropins and testosterone). Transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS) assessment revealed midline cysts in 46.7% (n = 14 cases), a seminal vesicle dilatation in 83.3% (25/30 cases), and ejaculatory duct dilatation in 76.7% (23/30 patients). In addition, two patients (6.6%) underwent MRI pelvis to confirm equivocal EDO by TRUS. After short-term and long-term follow-up, semen parameters improved significantly in 90% of cases vs 63.3% of cases, respectively, with statistically insignificant differences in all parameters (p ≥ 0.1). Based on subgroup analysis, semen parameters improved in all partial EDO and cystic EDO cases vs complete EDO and noncystic EDO, respectively. Spontaneous pregnancies were achieved in 10 (33.3%) vs 8 (26.6%) cases after short and long term, respectively. Regarding post-TURED complications, we reported 23.3% (n = 7). Conclusion: TURED is an effective treatment for EDO. It significantly improves all semen parameters and improves the symptoms related to EDO after short and long-term follow-up.

A systematic review of transurethral resection of ejaculatory ducts for the management of ejaculatory duct obstruction

OBJECTIVE

Ejaculatory duct obstruction (EDO) is an uncommon but potentially treatable cause of male factor infertility. However, there are limited data on transurethral resection of the ejaculatory ducts (TURED) as a treatment option. A systematic review was therefore conducted to assess its efficacy and identify patient subgroups that benefit from the procedure.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A database search of PubMed, Embase, and Scopus (up to January 2019) and the World Health Organization trial registry was performed to identify all studies assessing infertile men with EDO undergoing TURED. The primary outcome measures included semen parameters and natural pregnancies. The secondary outcomes included complications, symptomatic improvement, and a change from in vitro fertilization to intrauterine insemination.

RESULTS

Of 3,277 articles screened, 29 studies with 634 patients were included in the study. Although outcomes varied considerably among studies, a general increase in all semen parameters postoperatively was observed. Semen volume (n=23 studies) improved in a median of 83.0% of patients (interquartile range [IQR]: 37.5). Sperm motility and concentration (n=10 and n=21 studies) improved in a median of 63.0% (IQR: 15.0) and 62.5% (IQR: 16.5) of patients, respectively. The natural pregnancy rate across the studies was a median of 25.0% (IQR: 15.7). Improvements in both the outcomes were greater in patients with congenital etiologies and partial EDO. Differences in surgical technique did not appear to affect outcomes.

CONCLUSION

TURED is associated with improvements in semen parameters and offers a chance of restoring fertility in previously subfertile men. Although results are promising, the current evidence remains limited owing to predominantly retrospective studies with small sample sizes.

Transurethral resection of ejaculatory duct combined with seminal vesiculoscopy for management of persistent or recurrent hemospermia in men with ejaculatory duct obstruction

BACKGROUND

Persistent or recurrent haemospermia often occurs in individuals with ejaculatory duct obstruction (EDO). This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of transurethral resection of the ejaculatory duct (TURED) combined with seminal vesiculoscopy in treating persistent or recurrent haemospermia in men with EDO.

METHODS

From June 2014 to March 2018, 103 consecutive patients with EDO who underwent TURED combined with seminal vesiculoscopy for persistent or recurrent haemospermia at the Department of Urology of West China Hospital were enrolled into this retrospective study. The patients were evaluated mainly by detailed history-taking and performing semen analysis, transrectal ultrasonography, and magnetic resonance imaging.

RESULTS

Among the 103 patients, 79 (76.70%) had cysts of the lower male genitourinary tract; 63 (61.17%) had blood clots; and 32 (31.07%) had calculi in the seminal vesicle and/or prostatic utricle. The duration of postoperative follow-up was 12 months, and the symptoms of haemospermia disappeared in 96 (93.20%) patients. There was no significant difference in the semen PH and sperm count before and after surgery; however, the ejaculate volume and sperm motility significantly improved postoperatively. Except for two cases of acute urinary retention and one case of watery ejaculate after surgery, no severe postoperative complications, including epididymitis, urethral stricture, urinary incontinence, retrograde ejaculation, or rectal injury, were observed.

CONCLUSION

TURED combined with seminal vesiculoscopy is a suitable method for the diagnosis and treatment of persistent or recurrent haemospermia in men with EDO.

The management of obstructive azoospermia: a committee opinion

Infertility due to obstructive azoospermia may be treated effectively by surgical reconstruction or by retrieval of sperm from the epididymis or testis, followed by in vitro fertilization with intracytoplasmic sperm injection. This replaces the ASRM documents titled "Sperm retrieval for obstructive azoospermia" and "The management of infertility due to obstructive azoospermia," last published in 2008.

Contemporary management of ejaculatory dysfunction

Although erectile dysfunction is the most common disorder of male sexual health, ejaculatory dysfunction is the most common form of sexual dysfunction experienced by men. Ejaculatory dysfunction covers a broad range of disorders that we have divided into four main categories: premature ejaculation, delayed ejaculation (DE)/anorgasmia, unsatisfactory sensation of ejaculation (including painful ejaculation and ejaculatory anhedonia), and absent ejaculate (including retrograde ejaculation and aspermia). We also cover several special scenarios including hematospermia, spinal cord injury and fertility with anejaculation. In this paper, we will review the anatomy and pathophysiology of normal ejaculation to establish the baseline knowledge of how this pathway can go awry. We will then briefly review the critical diagnostic criteria, pertinent steps in evaluation, risk factors, and causes (if known) for each of the ejaculatory disorders. Finally, the bulk of the paper will discuss current management strategies of each disorder.

Surgical management of male infertility: an update

Male factor infertility is common, affecting 7% of the total population and up to half of couples who are trying to conceive. Various surgical and reconstructive options allow biological paternity depending on the etiology of the male factor issues. This article describes historical treatments and newer approaches, discussing the role for traditional open surgery, microsurgery and robotic surgery, as well as interventional radiologic procedures in the management of male infertility.

Ejaculatory duct obstruction: current diagnosis and treatment

Ejaculatory duct obstruction is an infrequent cause of obstructive azoospermia, occurring in up to 5 % of such patients. However, it is potentially correctable and warrants consideration in the differential diagnosis of the patient presenting for infertility evaluation. This review provides an overview of ejaculatory duct obstruction: its various etiologies, presentation, and associated clinical assessment. It includes a description of diagnostic imaging and interventional studies available to the practicing urologist and concludes with a discussion of current endoscopic management.

Update in the evaluation of the azoospermic male

Approximately 1% of all men in the general population suffer from azoospermia, and azoospermic men constitute approximately 10 to 15% of all infertile men. Thus, this group of patients represents a significant population in the field of male infertility. A thorough medical history, physical examination and hormonal profile are essential in the evaluation of azoospermic males. Imaging studies, a genetic workup and a testicular biopsy (with cryopreservation) may augment the workup and evaluation. Men with nonobstructive azoospermia should be offered genetic counseling before their spermatozoa are used for assisted reproductive techniques. This article provides a contemporary review of the evaluation of the azoospermic male.

Transurethral resection of ejaculatory duct in infertile men: outcome and predictors of success

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the outcome of transurethral resection of the ejaculatory duct (TURED) in the treatment for ejaculatory duct obstruction (EDO) and define predictors of success.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We retrospectively evaluated 23 infertile men between 2006 and 20011, who were diagnosed as having EDO. Inclusion criteria were azoospermia or oligozoospermia, low ejaculate volume, low ejaculate PH, little or no fructose in seminal plasma with normal serum levels of gonadotropins and testosterone and evidence of obstruction on transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS) or magnetic resonance images (MRI). Seventeen patients were diagnosed as complete EDO, and the remaining 6 were considered as having partial EDO. All patients were treated by TURED.

RESULTS

Midline cysts were diagnosed in seven cases, and the remaining 16 patients had postinflammatory obstruction of ejaculatory ducts (ED). Overall, a significant improvement of semen quality was achieved after surgery. All patients with partial EDO showed improvements in semen parameters after TURED compared to 23.5% (4/17) in those with complete EDO. Improvement in sperm count was 71.5% and 31% for patients with midline cysts and patients with non-cystic causes of EDO, respectively. Six (26%) patients developed complications including epididymo-orchitis in 2, watery ejaculate in 3 and conversion to azoospermia in 1. Spontaneous pregnancies were achieved in 3 (13%) cases: 2 (33.3%) men with partial and 1 (5.9%) with complete obstruction.

CONCLUSION

Partial EDO, whatever the etiology, has an excellent outcome after TURED. Complete EDO due to cysts appears to respond better than postinflammatory obstruction to TURED.

Surgical techniques for the management of male infertility

Evaluation and surgical treatment of male infertility has evolved and expanded, now leading to more precise diagnoses and tailored treatments with diminished morbidity and greater success. Surgeries for male infertility are divided into four major categories: (i) diagnostic surgery; (ii) surgery to improve sperm production; (iii) surgery to improve sperm delivery; and (iv) surgery to retrieve sperm for use with in vitro fertilization and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF-ICSI). While today we are more successful than ever in treating male infertility, pregnancy is still not always achieved likely due to factors that remain poorly understood. Clinicians treating infertility should advocate for couple-based therapy, and require that both partners have a thorough evaluation and an informed discussion before undergoing specific surgical therapies.

Steps in the investigation and management of low semen volume in the infertile man

An adequate semen volume of ejaculate fluid is required to transport sperm into the female reproductive tract and allow for fertilization of the oocyte. Thus, seminal fluid volume is an important part of the semen analysis done to investigate male infertility. In this article, we review the anatomy and physiology of ejaculation, the various etiologies of low-volume ejaculation (artifactual, structural, functional). We then present a comprehensive algorithm for the evaluation, diagnosis and treatment of the infertile man presenting with low semen volume.

Imaging in male-factor obstructive infertility

The main purpose of imaging evaluation in male infertility is to identify and treat correctable causes of infertility, such as obstruction of the seminal tract. Various imaging modalities are available to evaluate men with obstructive infertility including scrotal ultrasonography, transrectal ultrasound (TRUS), vasography, magnetic resonance imaging, seminal vesicle aspiration, seminal tract washout, and seminal vesiculography. To date the most reliable and accurate diagnostic technique for obstructive infertility is unclear. In this review article, we report the role of these modalities in diagnosis of obstructive infertility. Scrotal sonography is the initial modality, and if patient results indicate non obstructive azoospermia as varicocele or testicular pathology they will be treated according to standard protocols for management of these pathologies. If the patient findings indicate proximal obstructive azoospermia, they can be managed by vasoepididymostomy. If the scrotal ultrasound is normal, TRUS is the second imaging modality. Accordingly, they are classified into patients with criteria of obstructive infertility without urogenital cysts where TRUS-guided aspiration and seminal vesiculography can be performed and transurethral resection of the ejaculatory ducts (TURED) will be the management of choice. In patients with urogenital cyst, TRUS-guided cyst aspiration and opacification are performed. If the cyst is communicating with the seminal tract, management will be transurethral incision of the cyst. If the cyst is not in communication, the obstruction may be relieved after cyst aspiration. If the obstruction is not relieved, TURED will be the management of choice. Sperm harvested during aspiration may be stored and used in assisted reproduction techniques. If the results of TRUS are inconclusive or doubtful, endorectal magnetic resonance imaging should be performed to serve as a “detailed map” for guiding corrective operative interventions.

Evaluation of the azoospermic male

The purpose of this Technical Bulletin is to review the current methods of diagnosis and strategies for treatment of men with azoospermia.

Transrectal ultrasound- and fluoroscopic-assisted transurethral incision of ejaculatory ducts: a problem-solving approach to nonmalignant hematospermia due to ejaculatory duct obstruction

PURPOSE

Ejaculatory duct obstruction (EJDO) has traditionally been managed with transurethral resection of ejaculatory ducts (TURED). However, wide resection has potential complications and risk of postoperative morbidity. We demonstrate a technique using transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS) and fluoroscopy to assist with transurethral incision of the ejaculatory duct (TUIED) to treat hematospermia due to obstruction by either a stone or a prostatic cyst.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twenty-five patients with ejaculatory disorders including hematospermia underwent TUIED between 1997 and 2005. Diagnosis, the cause of hematospermia, and the level of EJDO was confirmed by semen analysis, semen culture, and TRUS. All patients were subjected to TRUS-guided seminal vesicle aspiration followed by seminal vesiculography using methylene blue mixed with contrast under biplanar TRUS guidance and fluoroscopic monitoring. After confirming the cause and level of obstruction, the ejaculatory duct was opened using endoscissors until the obstruction was relieved as confirmed by free flow of methylene blue. Stones were removed if any were present. A Foley catheter was kept in place for 24 hours.

RESULTS

Improvement of symptoms was noted in 96% of patients with ejaculatory disorders. All patients with painful ejaculation and hematospermia had complete remission of symptoms at 3 months postoperatively; three patients had transient epididymo-orchitis, and none had retrograde ejaculation or incontinence.

CONCLUSION

TUIED is a viable and minimally-invasive option for treating EJDO causing ejaculatory disorders including hematospermia with minimal morbidity and early recovery.

Comparison of transrectal ultrasonography and transrectal ultrasonography-guided seminal vesicle aspiration in the diagnosis of the ejaculatory duct obstruction

OBJECTIVE

To compare transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS) and TRUS-guided seminal vesicle aspiration in the diagnosis of ejaculatory duct obstruction (EDO).

DESIGN

A retrospective case-controlled study comparing the findings of TRUS and TRUS-guided seminal vesicle (SV) aspiration.

SETTING

Clinics of Urology and Radiology.

PATIENT(S)

Seventy patients with suspected EDO (complete in 10, partial in 60 patients) on clinical evaluation.

INTERVENTION(S)

Each SV was punctured transrectally using a 20-gauge Chiba needle within 2 hours after ejaculation.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

In SV aspirates, greater than three sperm per high-power microscopic field was considered a positive result for EDO.

RESULT(S)

Fifty-five (78.6%) patients had evidence of EDO on diagnostic TRUS. However, obstruction on TRUS was confirmed in 49.1% (27 of 55) of the patients with SV aspiration. Higher sperm positivity rates were achieved in patients with SV dilation (11 of 13, 84.6%) and prostatic midline/ED cyst (12 of 16, 75.0%). Stepwise logistic regression analysis revealed that the incidence of SV dilation was significantly higher, whereas that of chronic inflammatory findings in the prostate was significantly lower in the positive SV aspirate group.

CONCLUSION(S)

TRUS alone is not a reliable tool for the diagnosis of EDO. For this reason, SV aspiration should be used as an adjunctive technique in patients with SV dilation or a prostatic midline/ED cyst to confirm the diagnosis before surgery.

Ejaculatory duct obstruction

Ejaculatory duct obstruction presents with infertility, pain, or hematospermia. Partial or functional forms of ejaculatory duct obstruction can be difficult to diagnose. Transrectal ultrasound has replaced formal vasography as the first-line diagnostic test but is not specific. Adjunctive procedures such as seminal vesicle aspiration, seminal vesiculography, and chromotubation further delineate the diagnosis. Using an evidence-based approach, this article reviews how best to approach the diagnosis and treatment of ejaculatory duct obstruction.

Technetium Tc 99m sulphur colloid seminal vesicle scintigraphy: a novel approach for the diagnosis of the ejaculatory duct obstruction

OBJECTIVES

To define a novel technique in the diagnosis of partial and complete ejaculatory duct obstruction (EDO).

METHODS

Twenty men with suspected EDO were initially evaluated by transrectal ultrasound (TRUS). Subsequently, all patients underwent TRUS-guided seminal vesicle (SV) scintigraphy. Technetium Tc 99m sulphur colloid solution was injected into each SV under TRUS guidance and patients were immediately evaluated by scintigraphy. After patients ejaculated scintigraphy was repeated. The difference between 2 measurements in respect to technetium Tc 99m count was used to measure the percentage of emptying.

RESULTS

In the first group, TRUS revealed 11 patients with findings suggestive of EDO, whereas no abnormality was found in 9. Scintigraphic measurement in first group of patients showed a mean emptying ratio for the right and left SVs of 16.6% +/- 2.22 (2.2 to 30.6) and 17.1% +/- 2.34 (1.4 to 32.5), respectively. The mean percent of emptied technetium Tc 99m from right and left SVs in patients with no pathologic findings on TRUS was 30.9% +/- 4.3 (10.1 to 44.2) and 33.9% +/- 5.81 (13.6 to 68.1), respectively. Statistically significant difference was determined between 2 groups (P = 0.037). Initially, TRUS examination revealed no pathologic findings in 3 patients; however, SV scintigraphy showed less than 30% emptying and revealed an additional 33% of patients to be obstructed in our series.

CONCLUSIONS

TRUS, the static anatomic imaging modality, may not be sufficient to distinguish functional from complete obstruction. Seminal vesicle scintigraphy is unique that incorporates physiologic aspect of ejaculation into a diagnostic intervention, of which we believe that is especially important in diagnosis of functional EDO.

Clinical and radiological evaluation of ejaculatory duct obstruction

Ejaculatory duct obstruction (EDO) is a rare but surgically correctable cause of male infertility. With the advent and increased use of transrectal ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging, abnormalities of the ejaculatory duct (ED) related to infertility have been diagnosed more frequently. Recently, with the increased awareness of functional obstruction of ED, reports have been focusing on the diagnosis of partial or functional EDO. We present 2 review of the ED pathologies, imaging modalities and treatment options.

Case report: Endoscopic laser lithotripsy of seminal-vesicle stones

A 25-year-old man presented with painful ejaculation, an ejaculate volume of 0.75, and complaints of passing "granules" in the semen. Transrectal ultrasonography showed bilateral seminal vesicle enlargement. The patient underwent transurethral resection of the ejaculatory duct. The entry point of duct was resected using pure cutting current, resulting in the passage of multiple proteinaceous-appearing stones. Approximately 10 months later, the patient reported recurrent painful ejaculation and passage of granules in his semen. At cystoscopy, the ejaculatory duct openings were intubated with a cone-tipped catheter to perform bilateral seminal vesiculograms, which showed numerous mobile filling defects and a Steinstrasse appearance at the ejaculatory ducts. A 7F semirigid ureteroscope entered the lumen without difficulty over a guidewire, and the stones were fragmented with a 270-microm holmium laser fiber. The ejaculatory ducts were balloon dilated to 18F. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case where a ureteroscope was utilized to treat seminal-vesicle stones. The seminal vesiculogram proved to be extremely valuable in the diagnosis.

[Assessment of male infertility]

The diagnosis of male infertility requires methodical approach which is primarily clinical, aimed at identifying all potential factors. Biological and radiological assessments allow diagnosis confirmation, and evaluation of both prognosis and therapeutic strategy.

Inflammatory disorders of the prostate and the distal genital tract

Inflammatory disease of the prostate and distal genital tract is emerging as a major health problem because it is estimated that up to 15% of adult men may be affected at some point in their lives. Clinically, the diagnosis of "prostatitis" refers to multiple disorders that cause pelvic pain and discomfort, ranging from acute bacterial infection to complex conditions that may not necessarily be caused by prostatic inflammation. Because the traditional etiology-based classification system did not always correlate with symptoms and therapeutic efficacy, a new classification of prostatitis has been suggested by the National Institutes of Health. New imaging techniques such as high-resolution transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS) and MR imaging provide exquisite anatomic detail and often play a crucial role in the evaluation of these patients.

Definition and current evaluation of subfertile men

Male infertility affects 10% of reproductive aged couples worldwide and is treatable in many cases. In addition to other well-described etiologies, genetic causes of male infertility are now more commonly diagnosed. Using principles of evidence-based medicine, this review outlines diagnostic and treatments options to inform clinical management. In order of importance, randomized controlled clinical trials, basic scientific studies, meta-analyses, case-controlled cohort studies, best-practice policy recommendations and reviews from peer-reviewed literature were incorporated that provide organized and timely guidelines to the current management of male infertility. The strength of evidence for treatment recommendations is also classified when appropriate.

Practical approaches to the diagnosis and management of male infertility

Male infertility affects 10% of couples of reproductive age worldwide, and is treatable in many cases. In addition to well-established etiologies, genetic causes of male infertility are now diagnosed more commonly, as our knowledge of genomic medicine advances. Using principles of evidence-based medicine, this review outlines diagnostic and treatment algorithms that guide clinical management. In order of importance, randomized controlled clinical trials, basic scientific studies, meta-analyses, case-controlled cohort studies, best-practice policy recommendations and reviews from peer-reviewed literature were incorporated into algorithms that provide organized and timely guidelines to the current management of male infertility. The strength of the evidence for treatment recommendations is also classified when appropriate.

Transrectal US–guided Seminal Vesiculography and Ejaculatory Duct Recanalization and Balloon Dilation for Treatment of Chronic Pelvic Pain

Ejaculatory duct obstruction (EDO) is an uncommon but correctable cause of infertility and male chronic pelvic pain. The condition is thought to be underdiagnosed, but the increased application of noninvasive imaging tools, specifically transrectal ultrasonography (US), has lead to greater recognition of EDO. Moreover, the development of minimally invasive therapies now offers comprehensive evaluation and treatment options with low morbidity for select patient groups. This report describes the technique of transrectal US-guided seminal vesiculography, percutaneous recanalization, and ejaculatory duct balloon dilation for EDO as a treatment for male chronic pelvic pain.