[Reconstruction of the vas deferens: an experimental study on the rat].

Background. A microsurgical technique for reconstruction of the vas deferens on an absorbable transanastomotic stent in the rat is described. Methods. A microsurgical end-to-end anastomosis of the vas deferens was performed in a group of 10 rats (group A) by suturing with Nylon 10-0 interrupted stitches. In another 10 rats (group B) the same microsurgical anastomosis was performed after insertion of a 0.5 cm long intraluminal chromic catgut 4.0 stent. Results. Sixty days postoperatively all 20 animals were submitted to roentgenography of the vas deferens. The vas deferens proved radiographically undetectable in 8/10 rats in the unstented group A (80%), whereas the entire course of the vas could be traced in 9/10 rats in group B (90%). Conclusions. The encouraging results obtained with this alternative technique, even on structures of limited diameter, suggests that it may be possible to use this procedure in children.