Transrectal ultrasound-guided seminal vesicle catheterization with continuous antibiotic infusion for the treatment of refractory hematospermia

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to describe transrectal ultrasound (TRUS)-guided seminal vesicle catheterizations with continuous antibiotic infusion in patients with persistent hematospermia. A retrospective record review of 45 patients with refractory hematospermia treated with TRUS-guided seminal vesicle catheterization between 2010 and 2017 was performed. Seminal vesicle puncture and catheterization was performed under TRUS guidance for all patients. Antibiotic irrigation was used to rinse the seminal vesicle until the outflow fluid was clear. The trocar sleeve was left in situ and fixed on the skin of the perineum at the end of the procedure. All patients underwent a 24-h continuous infusion of antibiotic solution through the catheter. The patients were followed up to 3 years for the presence of hematospermia. The duration of refractory hematospermia was between 6 months and 9 years. A total of 14 patients exhibited consecutive hematospermia, while the remaining patients exhibited intermittent episodes. On TRUS, 15 cases of ejaculatory duct cyst, 7 cases of ejaculatory duct expansion, 3 cases of ejaculatory duct stones, 6 cases of seminal vesicle expansion, 8 cases of seminal vesicle stones and 5 cases of seminal vesicle wall or ejaculation wall calcification were diagnosed. A total of 41 patients completed the scheduled treatment plan; however, the catheter was dissociated on the 3rd or 4th day of catheterization in 4 patients. After a 1-3 year follow-up, hematospermia was not observed in 42 patients (93.33%) with recurrence in the remaining 3 patients. In conclusion, TRUS-guided seminal vesicle catheterization with continuous antibiotic infusion appeared to be a safe and effective method for the treatment of hematospermia.