Nd:YAG coagulation of the verumontanum: an endoscopic attempt at sterilization.
In order to develop a new and less invasive method of sterilization in men we performed photocoagulation of the verumontanum in 10 rams, using a Nd:YAG laser, wavelength 1,060 nm. Under general anesthesia a perineal urethro-cutaneous fistula was achieved, and, by means of a 16F laser-endoscope, transurethral coagulation of the ejaculatory ducts, located in the verumontanum, was carried out, using pulses of 1.5 sec in duration and 20-30 W in power. The animals were killed at different postoperative time intervals, ranging from 1 day to 8 weeks. Injection of methylene-blue into the testicular ducts of the resected prostate-bladder specimen and histologic studies of the coagulated tissue revealed that complete bilateral occlusion of the ejaculatory ducts had been achieved in 4 rams. Failures were due to over-extended irradiation of the verumontanum. Except for urinary tract infections occurring in 4 animals, no serious complications were encountered. Further investigations are still necessary to determine the role of lasers in male sterilization.