n. X-ray imaging of the *vas deferens. A contrast medium is injected either into the exposed vas deferens at surgery, using a fine needle, or into the ejaculatory duct (which discharges semen from the vesicle into the vas deferens) by inserting a catheter via an endoscope. The technique is used in the investigation of *azoospermia, to look for blockages in the vas.
n. a surgical incision into the vas deferens (the duct conveying sperm from the testis). This is usually undertaken to allow catheterization of the vas and the injection of radiopaque contrast material for X-ray examination (see vasography), to test for patency of the duct in patients with *azoospermia.... vasotomy
n. any technique for imaging the seminal vesicles. This used to be performed by injecting a contrast medium into the vas deferens during *vasography. More commonly direct injection is now performed during *transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS), enabling sperm to be sampled at the same examination. Injected contrast medium or dye should be seen draining into the vas deferens to the bladder if there is no blockage. *Magnetic resonance imaging is a good technique for imaging the seminal vesicles with no radiation exposure. Both these techniques are useful for investigation of patients with *azoospermia.... vesiculography
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