Background. Supermicrosurgery ( anastomosis of less than 0.5 mm in diameter ) is widespread in the new reconstructive microsurgery. Here we describe the successful transplantation of reproductive organs in rats using supermicrosurgery. Methods. Wild Lewis rats were used as donors and recipients. Testis and Ovary were transplanted respectively to syngeneic recipient rats with bilateral gonadectomy. Testicular transplantation was performed using a several modified method of Sun Lee's model described in 1971. Briefly, testicular vessel(0.4mm) was used as a donor vessel and anastomosed to the recipient's superficial epigastric vessel(0.5mm) with 11-0 nylon using supermicrosurgery. The testis was transplanted to the subcutaneous pocket in the inguinal region. Postoperative serum hormone levels were measured, and histological characteristics were elucidated. Results. All transplants were determined to be viable and secreted hormone. In testicular transplantation group, more than 60% approved active spermatogenesis histologically. In ovarian transplantation group, live offspring have been produced from the transplanted ovary. Conclusions. Heterotopic testicular transplantation using supermicrosurgery led to active hormonal function and success in preserving spermatogenesis. It is also succeeded to produce offspring from transplanted ovary.
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