In 59 consecutive vasectomies for the purpose of sterilization, one-half, chosen by random numbers, received an irrigation of the vas deferens with 40 ml of sterile water on each side. Afterwards, the men sent in every fourth ejaculation, until two consecutive samples were without spermatozoa. The postoperative sperm samples were examined microscopically without knowing whether the man belonged to the treated group or the control group. The irrigation procedure did not shorten the time needed to reach azoospermia.
PIP: 59 men upon whom sterilization vasectomies were performed between June 1, 1973, and April 3, 1974, participated in an experiment to determine if peroperative irrigation of the vas deferens during vasectomy altered the time until azoospermia was reached. In half of the men, selected randomly, a cannula was inserted in the direction of the urethra just before resection of the vas. 40 ml of sterile water was used for irrigation. All other parts of the operation were the same for both groups. Patients submitted a preoperative sperm sample which was counted. After the operation the men sent in every 4th ejaculation until 2 consecutive samples were spermatozoa-free. The results indicate that differences between the 2 groups were insignificant.