The PRISMA 2020 statement.

Background

This study aimed to compare the outcomes of double−armed two−suture longitudinal intussusception microsurgical vasoepididymostomy (LIVE) and single−armed two−suture LIVE techniques in patients with epididymal obstructive azoospermia (EOA). The main outcomes assessed were patency rates, patency time, semen quality and natural pregnancy rates.

Methods

Data from patients with EOA who underwent two−suture LIVE were obtained from databases including PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science. Weighted data were analyzed using a random−effects model, and weighted mean differences were reported.

Results

A total of 1574 patients with EOA from 24 studies were included. The overall patency rate was approximately 68% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 63–72%), with a patency time of approximately 4.63 months (95% CI: 4.15–5.12). The sperm concentration reached 26.90 million/ml and the sperm motility was 23.74%. The natural pregnancy rate was 38% (95% CI: 31–46%). The different definitions of patency do not seem to have any meaningful impact when comparing patency rates. There was no significant difference in patency rates, patency time, semen quality and natural pregnancy rates between the double−armed and single−armed LIVE techniques.

Conclusion

The single−armed LIVE is a potential alternative surgical option when high quality double−needle sutures are not easily accessible.