Epididymal obstruction results in isolated sperm heads in post-vasectomy rats

Abstract

Objective: The criteria for identifying an epididymal obstruction during vasectomy reversal are controversial. The absence of any spermatozoa, or sperm components (i.e., heads or tails) in the testicular vasal fluid, indicates a likely obstruction. However, the absence of whole spermatozoa, with the concurrent detection of isolated sperm heads represents a clinical conundrum; there is no consensus as to the presence or absence of epididymal obstruction in this situation. We sought to address this controversy by establishing iatrogenic epididymal obstruction in a rat vasectomy model. Specifically, we identified the time-dependent morphologic changes that occur in the testicular vasal fluid following epididymal obstruction after vasectomy.