Vasectomy Reversal
The results from vasectomy reversal are exceptional with the restoration of patency in up to 90% of men and successful pregnancy in the majority of couples.
INDICATIONS AND TECHNIQUES
Indications
Vasectomy reversal is ideal for men who wish to try and conceive naturally with their partner following a vasectomy. It is ideal when the female partner is under 35 years of age and has no fertility concerns. Restoring patency can also provide semen for use in assisted reproduction.
Success rates
The success rates for vasectomy reversal are impacted by the time since the initial procedure. However, they have improved significantly with the use of microsurgical techniques. When the vasectomy was performed less than three years before, the patency rates are about 97%. At 15 years post vasectomy, the rates of patency are about 70%.
Procedure
Vasectomy reversal is a microsurgical technique that uses the operating microscope to help to re-join the two cut ends of the vas deferens. This restores the free movement of the sperm from the epididymis to the urethra. Initially, two small incisions are made on the side of the scrotum. From this point the surgeon will either re-join the two cut ends of the vas deferens (vasovasostomy) or join the vas deferens directly to the epididymis (vasoepididymostomy). In most instances, this operation is performed as a day case and a hospital stay is not required.