Vasectomy Reversal

Repair of vas deferens obstruction is usually associated with reversal of a prior vasectomy. This is requested most often by men after a divorce or remarriage or by the original couple changing their minds. However, there are other reasons for vas or epidymal obstruction which might require surgery. These include previous surgical injury (e.g., herniorrhaphy), trauma, infection, or pain after vasectomy.

A vas-to-vas connection is the most common type of reversal, but occasionally there may be a necessity to connect vas-to-epididymis. This involves a more tedious and longer procedure with slightly less successful outcomes.

Uncomplicated vas reversals may take up to three hours, usually performed under general anesthesia (as it is difficult for many men to lie completely still for this long). More complicated vas reversals or vasoepididymostomies may take four to five hours. This is an outpatient procedure and post-operative discomfort is well controlled with oral medication. No effort is made to evaluate for sperm until three months, as it may take that long for normal sperm transit. Patients may usually go back to work after three to five days, although we strongly recommend no strenuous activity or intercourse for three weeks.

We feel strongly about using a special microscope and the most up-to-date equipment, sutures, and techniques for our vas reconstructions. Also, a review of our patients over the past six years has shown successful return of sperm in 90% of men and a successful pregnancy in 53% of their partners, after this surgery.

Physicians offering Vasectomy Reversal