Vasectomy Reversal | Vasectomy Reversals

Optical Coherence Tomography is a novel imaging technology that may help improve success rates of vasectomy reversal.

An investigative male infertility research team led by Dr. Kuang has prepared and submitted an article highlighting their research on a novel imaging technology called Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT). This cutting-edge technology uses near infrared light to image scrotal structures (such as the testicle, epididymis and the vas deferens) at such a high resolution that it approaches the level of detail seen on histological slides. The team's encouraging data were nationally recognized by the American Urological Association, and the team was asked to present their work at the 2007 National Meeting with a podium oral presentation. As this technology continues to improve, Dr. Kuang hopes that OCT help vasectomy reversal microsurgeons identify the healthiest level of the vas deferens where a vasectomy reversal should be performed to optimize the chances of sperm returning to the man's ejaculate.

OCT image shows all the viable layers of a vas deferens. The inner lumen or tunnel through which sperm swim can easily be seen and is only 0.4mm in diameter. During a vasectomy reversal, OCT may help microsurgeons identify when they have cut back to completely healthy vas deferens to optimize the chances of proper healing after a vasectomy reversal.

Images are obtained by holding the 3mm imaging probe up against the vas deferens.

The Southwest Fertility Center for Men opens its brand new doors for its fertility patients. With two new clinic rooms designed to be a little larger for your comfort, the clinic features a separate bathroom for our patients and a nursing station right outside for immediate access to your Fertility Guide and Dr. Kuang.

New construction for the Southwest Fertility Center for Men is completed and will be open for seeing patients by mid-October.

Dr. K Increases IVF Awareness for New Mexicans

While it is important to publicize new fertility resources in nearby Colorado, it is equally as important to inform our community that they can receive similar reproductive treatments such as In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) here in Albuquerque. The Google search for "New Mexico IVF" reveals that the Center of Reproductive Medicine of New Mexico is an IVF group in Albuquerque. Founded almost 20 years ago, CRMNM was listed as a "Top Ten Fertility Center" by Child Magazine in 2005. The recent Daily Lobos article "One Doctor's Fertile Idea" inaccurately represents our community by stating that the "closest IVF lab is in Colorado Springs."

It is imperative that infertile couples have more than one option to consider since IVF groups can have very differing success rates, treatment options and medical philosophies. IVF is a physically, emotionally and financially challenging journey, and every couple should be able to find the IVF provider that best resonates with them.

A couple seeking IVF should take the time to empower themselves with as much education as possible:
1. Learn about IVF and identify at least two local/regional IVF groups by visiting sites such as the Society of Assisted Reproductive Technology http://www.sart.org/ARTPatients.html.
2. Look at their IVF success rates that are published by The Centers of Disease Control (CDC) at http://apps.nccd.cdc.gov/ART2005/clinics05.asp.
3. Listen to what they have to say at one of their free seminars. Get a feel for who they are and ask critical questions. How many embryos do they transfer? What is their pregnancy rates using donor eggs in women less than 35 years old? Look beyond the deals and decide if they are a good fit for your journey towards building a healthy family.

Most importantly, the article brings to the forefront the growing need for fertility services in New Mexico. 10-15% of couples face issues of infertility. Men as well as women need to have a comprehensive fertility evaluation since male factor infertility is identified as a contributory cause in 50% of the couples. New research and clinical studies are exponentially expanding our ability to treat male and female infertility. For women, new technologies and medications are providing improved success rates with treatments such as intrauterine inseminations and tubal reanastamoses. For men, Vasectomy Reversals can be successful even if it has been more than 10 years since their vasectomies. Additionally, novel exploratory surgeries (Testicular Microdissection) may find sperm in a man's testicles even when none can be found in the ejaculate.

Infertility is a growing issue in our community especially as more couples choose to start a family at a later age. Both men and women should have an evaluation by a fertility specialist, since couples are benefiting from a rapidly expanding arsenal of medical and surgical treatment options. For couples seeking IVF, they now have the choice of working with the Reproductive Medicine & Fertility Center in Colorado Springs that has a satellite office at UNM or with the Center of Reproductive Medicine of New Mexico that is located in Albuquerque.

SFCM travels to the planned site of "Outdoors and Unplugged" a non-profit being created to help troubled teens in Albuquerque.

Dr. Kuang's main pursuit outside of the office is founding the non-profit organization "Outdoors and Unplugged". This 501(3)(c) aims to enroll troubled inner-city teenagers into an environmental experiential program located on 500 acres of untouched backcountry near Slick Rock, Colorado. By helping the youth of America "unplug" from their iPods and the internet, guidance counselors and social workers will help these teenagers "plug" back into themselves and help them identify who they are, who they want to become as well as a path to help them get there. Dr. Kuang plans on sponsoring one teenager with every vasectomy reversal that he performs at the Southwest Fertility Center for Men.