What Happens When You Have A Vasectomy Reversal

The surgery to reverse a vasectomy involves sewing back together the tube (vas deferens) that is responsible for carrying the sperm from each testicle to the semen and attaching this tube to the epididymis. The surgery is an outpatient surgery, which means that it is not necessary to stay overnight in the hospital.

There are two ways in which doctor's perform the reversal: vasovasostomy and vasoepididymostomy.

Avasovasostomy is a reversal procedure in which the severed ends of the vas deferens are sewn back together. It is possible that during surgery it is discovered that the ends cannot be sewn back together so a more complex surgery is then required to restore the flow of sperm.

Vasoepididymostomy is when the vas deferens is attached directly to the epididymis. The epididymis is the coiled tube located on the back of a testicle. The testicle is where the sperm mature. The vasectomy surgery possibly blocked or even caused a break in the vas deferens or the epididymis or both. The vasoepididymostomy surgery is used when there is blockage preventing the sperm from flowing.

To correct the blockage, during the surgery the vas deferens are connected to the epididymis above the point of blockage. There is no way to know before the surgery which technique the doctor will need to do. The doctor will choose during the surgery. There is also the possibility that a combination of the two techniques will be necessary. It all depends on the condition of the vas deferens and the condition of the epididymis.

The Reversal Surgery:

General anesthesia is usually used or an epidural, spinal or local anesthetic. The point of the anesthesia is to keep you completely still due to the delicate nature of the surgery. The surgery itself is done using a microscope that will aid the doctor by magnifying the area from 5 to 20 times. The doctor/surgeon will expose and examine the vas deferens and the fluid inside it. The examination of fluid helps to determine which technique the doctor will need to do in order to restore the flow of sperm.

If sperm is located during the surgery, the male may have decided to have this sperm frozen so that it can be used in a procedure called, "in vitro fertilization" that is specifically called intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). This is another option to help the male father a child in case the vasectomy reversal is not successful at helping the male to produce a child.

After the surgery the male will have bandages on the area. The jockstrap will be used to hold these bandages in place, and to apply pressure in the area to help reduce swelling. There may be some pain and cramping after the anesthetic wears off. The pain gets better after a few days. The male may be sore for a few days. Acetaminophen may be necessary to handle any discomfort felt from the surgery. There may also be some bruising in the area. The skin discoloration should disappear approximately 2 weeks after the surgery. If stitches were used, they will dissolve after 7 to 10 days from the date of surgery.

Instructions will be given for what to do following the surgery. Bathing and swimming will be restricted for the first 2 days following surgery. It is wise to refrain from heavy lifting or sports also for at least 3 weeks. The doctor will guide you regarding returning to work. The timing for returning will depend on your job and how physical or strenuous it is and how much walking or driving is involved in your daily work activity. Sexual intercourse or ejaculation should be delayed for at least 4 weeks. A jockstrap should be worn for at least several weeks at all times, except when showering and for several weeks after that when exercising.

Recommended Reading

1. Top Q And A About Reversing That Vasectomy - A vasectomy should always be considered as a permanent form of birth control and men who want it need to...
2. What A Male Should Know About A Vasectomy - When the topic arises concerning birth control and the male's role in preventing a pregnancy ultimately the procedure known as...
3. The Anatomy Of A Vasectomy - Have you ever wondered what happens when a male submits himself to the vasectomy procedure? Approximately 600,000 men each year...
4. Pregnancy After Vasectomy Still A Possibility - The whole point of going through a vasectomy is the fact that you don't have to worry about birth control...
5. Basic Steps To Expect During The Vasectomy Procedure - It is perfectly normal to be a bit anxious about having surgery, no matter how many people have previously gone...