Treatment of Ejaculatory Duct Obstruction by Seminal Vesiculoscopy Assisted Flow Modification

Summary

This protocol introduces the clinical application of seminal vesicle endoscopy combined with holmium laser in the treatment of ejaculatory duct obstruction caused by ejaculatory duct cyst.

Abstract

Transurethral resection of ejaculatory duct (TURED) is a primary surgical approach to treat ejaculatory duct obstruction (EDO) caused by the ejaculatory duct cyst. Intraoperative excision of the verumontanum is usually required to expose the ejaculatory ducts. However, preserving the verumontanum structure allows for a better simulation of normal physiological anatomy. Maintaining the verumontanum may increase the risk of postoperative distal ejaculatory duct scarring, leading to recurrent obstruction or reduced semen volume. Therefore, we attempted a novel technique that preserves the verumontanum, which is relatively easier and safer compared to TURED. The following were the procedural steps: 1. A 6F seminal vesiculoscope was introduced through the external urethral orifice to the vicinity of the verumontanum, locating the opening of the affected-side ejaculatory duct and introducing a guidewire into the cyst. This successful step preserved the verumontanum, maximizing the retention of the anti-reflux mechanism in the distal ejaculatory duct. 2. The holmium laser enlarged the affected-side ejaculatory duct opening to 5 mm, decreasing the likelihood of postoperative closure of the ejaculatory duct opening and simplifying the procedure. 3. A window was created within the cyst to access the contralateral seminal vesicle, and then a holmium laser was used to burn and dilate the opening to 5 mm, redirecting the contralateral ejaculatory duct into the cystic cavity. This modification preserved the opening of the healthy-side ejaculatory duct and provided a new outflow passage for semen, reducing the risk of decreased semen volume postoperatively. The patients experienced no complications postoperatively, had shorter hospital stays, and showed improvement in semen volume. Hence, this surgical approach is simple yet effective.

Introduction

Ejaculatory duct obstruction is a rare disease of the male reproductive system, with a reported incidence of 1%-5%^1,2. Ejaculatory duct cysts represent the predominant cause of ejaculatory duct obstruction. Semen examination in typical EDO patients reveals four distinctive characteristics: 1. Semen volume less than 2 mL, with a direct correlation between obstruction severity and decreased volume; 2. Oligospermia, with bilateral complete obstruction resulting in azoospermia; 3. Decreased pH value of semen; 4. Reduced levels of seminal plasma fructose, sometimes even dropping to 0 mM/L³. ....

Protocol

The surgical method described in this paper has been approved by the Ethics Committee of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, and the use of patient surgical videos has been authorized. Informed consent was obtained from the patients, and patient data was used for presentation.

1. Instruments for operation

1. Ensure that the display camera system and holmium laser are working properly.

2. Preparation fo.......

Discussion

TURED is a primary surgical approach to treat ejaculatory duct obstruction caused by the ejaculatory duct cyst, and its main operation mode is to reveal the ejaculatory duct opening after the excision of cysts with an electric incision to relieve the pressure and dreg the seminal canal¹¹. The study subjects were asked about their medical history during the visit, and all had normal sexual activity frequency (1-2 times per week) and no sexual dysfunction or hematospermia. The preoperative semen exa.......

Materials

Name	Company	Catalog Number	Comments
Camera system	Karl Storz, Germany	TC200EN	Endoscopic camera system
Fr18 Cathete	Zhanjiang City Shida Industrial Co., Ltd.	2660476	Drainage of urine
Fr6/7.5 vesiculoscope	Richard Wolf, germany	8702.534	Operative procedure
iodophor	Shanghai Likang Disinfectant Hi-Tech Co., Ltd.	31005102	Skin disinfection
Nitinol Guidewire 0.035"	C. R Bard, Inc. Covington, GA	150NFS35	Guide
Propofol	Sichuan Kelun Pharmaceutical Research Institute Co., Ltd.	H20203571	Induction and maintenance of anesthesia
Remifentanil	Yichang Humanwell Pharmaceuticals CO,Ltd.	H20030200	Maintenance of anesthesia
Rocuronium bromide	Zhejiang Huahai  Pharmaceuticals CO,Ltd.	H20183264	Induction and maintenance of anesthesia
Sevoflurane	Jiangsu Hengrui Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd.	H20070172	Maintenance of anesthesia
Slimline EZ 200	LUMENIS, USA	0642-393-01	Dissect capsule wall
Sodium Chloride Physiological Solution	Hua Ren MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY CO. Ltd.	H20034093	Flushing fluid
Sufentanil	Yichang Humanwell Pharmaceuticals CO,Ltd.	H20054171	Induction and maintenance of anesthesia
Syringe 50 mL	Double Pigeon Group Co. Ltd.	20163141179	Inject 0.9% sodium chloride solution into the vesiculoscope
VersaPulse PowerSuite 100W Laser System	LUMENIS, Germany	PS.INT.100W	Provide energy