This procedure was devised in an attempt to treat azoospermia caused by severe vas obstruction. An artificial spermatocele is prepared by resection of the vas slightly distal to the epididymal-deferential ansa and anastomosing onto its proximal stump a piece of Dardik's prosthesis sealed at the far end. During the partner's ovulatory period the spermatocele fluid is aspirated, mixed with fertile donor seminal plasma and used for artificial insemination. To date 8 subjects have had the operation: spermatocele fluids of 4 contained some highly motile spermatozoa with normal ability to penetrate cervical mucus for some months. Spermatocele implantation onto the vas apparently has the following advantages: the anatomic and functional integrity of the epididymis is maintained, the storage function of the epididymal-deferential ansa is preserved, and the risk of spermatocele collapse seems to be reduced by the high "vis a tergo" developed during ejaculation.

Bioprosthesis↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Transcutaneous minoxidil in the treatment of erectile dysfunctions in spinal cord injured men.

We have tested the erectile effect of a topical applied drug (Minoxidil) in 15 spinal cord injured men. Minoxidil exerts a direct relaxant effect on arterial smooth muscles. This topical vasodilatory agent (1 ml of a 2% solution) was applied on the skin of the penile shaft. Increases in diameter and rigidity were measured with the RigiScan device (Dacomed Minneapolis, Minnesota). A total of 4 paraplegic men with a complete dorsal level lesion reported a positive erectile response. 3 of these 4 patients preferred to continue with this noninvasive treatment compared to prostaglandin E1 intracavernous injections. In our study no side effects were emerged and minoxidil proved to be well tolerated at the cutaneous level of the penis. Our results indicate that this treatment should be tested in spinal cord injured men before a invasive therapy is initiated.

Administration, Cutaneous↗