FAQs

1. What will my vasectomy reversal recovery be like?

The vasectomy reversal procedure does not require an overnight stay in the hospital.  Immediately after the surgery, ice packs placed on the scrotal area are recommended to reduce any swelling and pain.  A prescription pain medication will be available and should be taken as necessary.  An athletic supporter is typically recommended for 7 to 10 days following the surgery to support the surgical site and to provide additional patient comfort.  All sutures dissolve after a few weeks and do not need to be removed.
Patients will routinely return back to work in an office setting in approximately 1 week and physically strenuous work within 2 to 3 weeks.

2. Is it possible to reverse a vasectomy after 10 years?

Yes, contrary to popular belief, it is possible to have a successful vasectomy reversal 10 years after the vasectomy was performed.

3. What is the success rate of vasectomy reversals?

The success of a vasectomy reversal is dependent on:
1. The skill of the surgeon
2. The findings at the times of surgery
The likelihood of the presence of sperm in the ejaculate after a vasectomy reversal is excellent, although this does not guarantee pregnancy.  If we perform a vasovasostomy on both sides, approximately 98% of patients have sperm return to the ejaculate.  If a vasoepididymostomy is performed on both sides about 75% of patients have sperm return to the ejaculate.
We perform the procedure with state-of-the-art microsurgical equipment and staff well trained to assist in these procedures.

4. How long is the procedure?

Operating time for the vasovasostomy and vasoepididymostomy is approximately 3 hours.

5. How long is the follow-up period?

Follow up after the surgery includes an evaluation of wound healing at 10 to 14 days and a semen analysis at 6 – 10 weeks.  Afterwards semen analyses are then obtained every 6 weeks for approximately 4 to 6 months, or until the semen analysis stabilizes.  If the semen quality is less than expected, anti-inflammatory medications are often used to decrease scarring.

6. Are there alternatives to vasectomy reversal to achieve pregnancy after vasectomy?

Yes.  Sperm can typically be retrieved from the testis with a needle through the skin under local anesthesia (TESA).   If inadequate quantity or quality of sperm is found a testicular sperm extraction (TESE) may be performed where a small incision is made to obtain s testicular biopsy under direct visualization and immediately assessed for sperm.  This sperm can only be used with advanced assisted reproductive techniques including in-vitro fertilization (IVF) and intra-cytoplasmic sperm injections (ICSI).  ICSI is an advanced micro technique in which a single sperm is injected into an oocyte (immature egg) that is retrieved thru an IVF cycle.

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