Page 2 - Vasectomy Reversal

Vasectomy reversal

In the operating room one or two incisions will be Over time, this usually resolves completely without
made in the scrotum. The incision is usually longer than specific treatment. Normally, a small lump will persist
the original vasectomy incision in order to expose both at the site of the vasectomy reversal. A vasectomy
cut ends of the vas deferens to adequately rejoin reversal should not affect your sexual function nor will
them. During the surgery your urologist will determine you notice any change in your semen.
if the vas deferens is in satisfactory condition to permit
adequate flow of sperm through the rejoined tube. Ejaculation should be postponed for several weeks
The two healthy ends of the vas above and below the after the vasectomy reversal. Sperm may return to
obstruction will be joined. The procedure can take the semen immediately after the procedure. Your
2-4 hours given its intricacy and the common use of urologist will advise the optimal timing of intercourse
magnification. to achieve a pregnancy. This occurs around the mid-
point of your partners menstrual cycle, when ovulation
Occasionally, the vas deferens is too scarred to permit (egg release) occurs.
effective sperm flow. In this case, your urologist may
need to bypass this scarred part of the tube and Your urologist will arrange follow-up with you, which
connect one end of the vas deferens directly to will likely include a test of your semen. There is often a
the epididymis. This type of surgery, called a vaso- significant delay in the appearance of large numbers
epididymostomy is more technically challenging, of sperm in the semen after a vasectomy reversal. If
with a lower success rate. the semen tests show large numbers of healthy sperm,
the possibility of pregnancy is good.
After the procedure Unfortunately, restoring sperm to the semen after
vasectomy reversal does not always result in a
You should be accompanied home after your pregnancy; however, many couples have achieved
vasectomy reversal. pregnancy following vasectomy reversal.

Plan to restrict your activities after your surgery. Avoid
strenuous physical activity, heavy lifting, or exercise Your vasectomy reversal has been
for several weeks. Any strain may cause bleeding or scheduled for:
swelling of the scrotum.

Application of an ice pack intermittently after the Day:__________________________________________________
procedure will minimize pain and swelling. Do not
place it directly on your skin. Pain is usually adequately Date:__________________________________________________
controlled with over-the-counter pain killers (Tylenol ,
TM
Advil ). You may need a prescribed painkiller that Time:__________________________________________________
TM
can be used as required for a few days after the
surgery. You may bathe or shower after 24 hours. Location: _____________________________________________
Skin sutures will dissolve within 2-6 weeks.
_______________________________________________________
Most men have no problem after a vasectomy
reversal. There is a small risk of infection requiring ______________________________________________________
treatment with antibiotics. Occasionally, men have Notes: ________________________________________________
scrotal pain that persists for a few weeks or months.
______________________________________________________

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