Vasectomy Reversal Surgery

If You Are Considering Surgery Read These Keypoints First......

Vasectomy Reversal Surgery is a very common and very safe micro surgical procedure. 

Your vasectomy reversal surgery can take anywhere from 2-4 hours to complete if all that is required is a vasovasostomy and up to 5 hours if the more complicated vasoepididymostomy is performed. This something that you need to ask your vasectomy reversal doctor about. If they say that surgery will be an hour or 8 hours you may need to get a second opinion. 

Additionally you can expect to spend at least a couple of hours in observation, post surgery.

Most vasectomy reversal surgery, from patient intake to patient going home, can be performed in a day. Most patient check-in in the morning and go home later in the day.

A general anaesthetic is the preferred method of anaesthesia as it affords the patient the most comfort as well as keeping them still throughout the delicate surgery. However if this does not suit, a local or regional (epidural) can be used.

The surgery itself involves two incisions being made in the scrotum (left and right sides) in order to get to each Vas Deferens. Often the site of the original vasectomy incisions will be used, however, sometimes the cuts will need to be enlarged.  

While vasectomy reversal surgery is very safe, there are some complications that can occur. Sometimes these complications can be severe enough as to warrant surgery to correct them. This luckily is very rare.

As with any surgical procedure the most common side affects are swelling and bruising and localised pain. Additionally some people complain of generalised symptoms associated with side affects of the anaesthesia such as headaches, lethargy and fatigue and generalised body aches and pains.

For the most part these symptoms clear very quickly and are all that the vast majority of vasectomy reversal surgery patients experience.

Occasionally, rarely, complications occur after surgery that need more immediate, and sometimes surgical, intervention.

Infection is something that needs to be addressed immediately if it occurs. This can occur at the site of the incisions made during surgery and is marked by redness, swelling, pain and inflammation.

Scrotal haematoma can occur after surgery and needs immediate attention. Once again this condition is marked by pain and swelling, and is the result of bleeding inside the scrotum. Surgery is often required to rectify this problem.

Sperm granulomas (hardened lumps forming in the scrotal tissue from leaking semen from the surgical incisions) may need to be removed surgically, but often respond to anti inflammatory medication.

Additionally damage to nerves and blood vessels may lead to long term testicular pain and atrophy of the testicle. In these cases surgery is often required.

Immediately after your vasectomy reversal surgery you can expect to feel some pain for a couple of days (although this varies significantly from patient to patient) that is usually allayed by taking common pain killers such as codeine and ibuprofen.

Ice will need to be applied to the scrotum regularly throughout the day after surgery. Additionally, a scrotal support of some kind, such as a jock strap or tight fitting underpants, needs to be worn for 4-5 weeks after surgery.

Strenuous activity (yes.. that includes sex) needs to be avoided for approximately 4 weeks after surgery. It is probably a good idea to take a couple of days off after your vasectomy reversal surgery, although if you are feeling up to it, you can do basic day to day activities and return to work very soon after. Just make sure to avoid any heavy lifting and overly strenuous activity during this post operative period.

Vasectomy reversal surgery is becoming more common place and with advances in technology and surgical technique, the surgery is a fairly routine affair that gives you the results you are looking for with minimal chances of any side affects apart from some slight post operative pain and swelling.