Contained within this section are some terms which you may come across along with a short description of what they mean.
Vas(Vas deferens). A thick, strong tube with a wall formed of smooth muscle. Contraction of this muscle during ejaculation acts as a very effective pump, propelling the sperms along the urethra and out! The outside diameter of the vas is 1.5 to 3 mm and the inside diameter (lumen) is just 0.2mm or less. The first 2-3 cm. of vas is convoluted to aid the pumping action and above there the vas is straight. |
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Vaso-epididymostomyA connection between the vas and the epididymis. This is used to overcome absence of testicular end of the vas or blow out. Technically very demanding with worthwhile results only in a very few centres of excellence in the USA. |
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VasovasostomyThe operation to join two lengths of vas. A conventional ‘reversal’. There are many, perhaps 25 different ways to perform this procedure. These have been tried and clinically assessed. The best is termed the ‘goldstandard’ procedure. |
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