Mp13-19 Unilateral Absence of the Vas in Men Presenting for Vasectomy: Incidence and Implications

You have accessJournal of UrologyInfertility: Epidemiology however, the incidence of unilateral absence of the vas deferens (UAVD) in vasectomy candidates in North America has never been reported. This study aimed to investigate the incidence of UAVD in a large cohort of vasectomy candidates and its implications. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 2,555 vasectomy candidates presenting to the senior author for vasectomy consultation between 2001 and 20022. All these men underwent scrotal evaluation after application of a heating pad to relax the dartos muscle. Men found to have UAVD underwent testing for cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) mutation and a renal ultrasound. RESULTS: Among the 2,555 vasectomy candidates, UAVD was detected in four men, yielding an incidence rate of 0.16%. One patient with UAVD presented with an absent kidney and genetic analysis revealed the absence of CFTR gene mutation. Another patient exhibited a CFTR gene mutation but did not have any kidney abnormalities. Genetic workup and renal ultrasound were not pursued by the remaining two patients with UAVD. CONCLUSIONS: Unilateral absence of the vas deferens is rare among vasectomy candidates, with an incidence rate of 0.16% in our cohort. It has been reported to occur in 0.5-1% of males in the general population and accounts for 1-2% of men presenting for infertility evaluation; this lower incidence in men of proven fertility suggests that UAVD contributes to lower fertility potential. Understanding the genetic basis of UAVD may aid in patient counseling, reproductive planning, and personalized healthcare decisions. Finally, careful pre-operative examination of a relaxed scrotum will eliminate the frantic search at the time of vasectomy for a vas deferens that isn't there. Source of Funding: N/A © 2024 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 211Issue 5SMay 2024Page: e218 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2024 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.Metrics Author Information Manish Kuchakulla More articles by this author Marc Goldstein More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement PDF downloadLoading ...