OVERVIEW
Vasectomy reversal is a procedure to restore fertility after a man has undergone an elective vasectomy. In rare instances, it can also be performed for men who experience chronic pain following a vasectomy.
Symptoms
Most men who undergo a vasectomy reversal have no symptoms. Typically, the procedure is performed to restore fertility.
Causes
The vasectomy reversal procedure is usually performed in men who have undergone elective sterilization. In rare circumstances, a man may undergo a similar procedure to repair a blockage either from prior surgery or unknown reasons (idiopathic).
Diagnosis/Evaluation
- What to know before your visit:
- The urologist will take a thorough history of both the male and female partners during the evaluation since the ability of the couple to have children depends upon the reproductive health of both partners.
- Several factors determine the success rate of a vasectomy reversal, particularly the time interval between the vasectomy and reversal. The patient’s anatomy following the vasectomy may also determine the success of a vasectomy reversal and therefore physical examination of the vas deferens, testes and epididymis will be an important part of the evaluation.
- Other tests that may be performed during or after your visit:
- Patients undergoing a vasectomy reversal typically do not require extensive testing. At times, hormonal blood work may be indicated if there is concern regarding testicular function.
Treatment
NON-SURGICAL TREATMENT
Although there are no medical treatments available for men who have undergone previous vasectomy (voluntary sterilization), some men may choose to have their sperm surgically extracted/aspirated to be used for IVF (in vitro fertilization), rather than undergo a vasectomy reversal.
SURGICAL TREATMENT
The vasectomy reversal procedure is a microsurgical procedure to restore fertility. The exact surgical techniques performed depend upon the expertise of the operating surgeon. The best results are achieved with surgeons with extensive experience performing these procedures and with specific microsurgical skills. The procedure usually takes several hours and is performed under anesthesia in either a hospital operating room or ambulatory surgical center (ASC).
Two different surgical procedures may be performed – vasovasostomy or epididymovasostomy. The exact procedure to be performed cannot be determined until the time of surgery and depends upon findings in the operating room.
- Vasovasostomy is a procedure that connects the two ends of the vas deferens and may have surgical success rates as high as more than 90%.
- Epididymovasostomy is a more challenging procedure which may be indicated when the blockage following a vasectomy is within the epididymis itself (rather than at the end of the vas deferens). Success rates are lower, but new surgical techniques still allow for excellent success rates.
Schedule an appointment with a MidLantic Urology physician near you today!