Vasectomy Reversal – How The Procedure Works
|
|
Vasectomy Reversal – How The Procedure Works
Serious about getting a Vasectomy Reversal? Contact Vasectomy Reversal Specialist, Dr. Thomas Sommers for a free consultation or visit his FAQ page at http://www.MidwestVasectomyReversals.com
Dr. Thomas Sommers
Midwest Vasectomy Reversals
300 Winding Woods, Suite 222
O’Fallon, MO 63366
636-492-1323
Vasectomy Reversal, also commonly known as a vasovasostomy, is different from most surgical procedures because the structure being re-connected is so tiny. The vas, the tube carrying sperm which is cut or obstructed during a vasectomy, is between one quarter and one-half inch in size. The opening in the middle of the vas which must be re-connected is not much larger than a human hair! These small structures require surgeries to be performed under very high magnification. This can be achieved with a microscope or a powerful camera by a specially trained physician.
Choosing A Surgeon
Criteria for choosing a surgeon should include finding someone that you trust and that you can afford. The price for a procedure varies dramatically from practice to practice. Price does not correspond to skill, despite what you might be led to believe. There are many highly skilled physicians who keep their fees low by keeping their own costs under control. Other physicians require a hospital operating room to be used and even sometimes an overnight hospital stay. Ask for personal references from past patients, see what patients on message boards are saying about their experience with the physician, and pay attention to how the physician handles your questions and concerns. You will be trusting your future fertility to this person, so be sure you are comfortable with him or her.
How To Prepare For The Procedure
There are typically no limitations of activity on the days leading up to the treatment other than avoiding aspirin and ibuprofen type drugs which could make the patient more likely to bleed during the surgery. The patient should shave the scrotum on the day before the procedure. Only a small breakfast or fasting is usually recommended. Some physicians offer light sedation to their patients, but it is typically not necessary. After meeting with the surgeon, going over the procedure one more time and signing consent forms, the surgery can begin.
Procedure
The first step is always sterilizing the area of the operation with special anti-bacterial soap. The scrotum is numbed with a small injection or a spray, although some patients prefer to be “knocked out.” The scrotal skin is opened at the area of the previous vasectomy, and the surgeon cuts the vas above and below the blockage being careful to preserve the blood vessels. Once confirming that there is sperm present in the testicular end of the vas, the two ends are reconnected with suture so small it can be difficult to see with the naked eye. Great care is taken to make sure the holes in the two ends of the vas line up so the sperm can move through. This is the longest part of the procedure and the part that requires the patient to be completely still.
The skin is closed with absorbable suture and the procedure is repeated on the other side. Sometimes drains are used temporarily to keep swelling to a minimum and these are removed the next day. The total length of surgery averages 2-3 hours, but some procedures take longer because of scar tissue or other anatomical issues.
Recovery
Recovery from vasectomy reversal typically requires a few days of very little activity or bed rest. There is always bruising and often swelling in the scrotum. An ice pack can help keep the swelling to a minimum – a bag of frozen vegetables makes a good ice pack! Most surgeons recommend using a jock strap or tight underwear for two weeks to prevent the delicate repair from coming open. Vigorous activity is often restricted as well. Running, jumping, lifting heavy objects and other activities which could put strain on the vas repair should be avoided. Intercourse can resume within two weeks.
Complications
Most men recover without any problems, but when complications do occur they should be addressed right away. During recovery, patients much watch for signs of excessive bleeding or infection developing. Pus draining from the operative wound, fever, pain with urination or abdominal pain should prompt a call to the physician.
Pain Control
Post-operative pain is typically controlled with over the counter medicines like ibuprofen or acetaminophen, although some men require mild narcotic pain medicine for a day or two after the procedure. Some physicians recommend a few weeks of ibuprofen to help decrease the risk of scarring from inflammation at the site of the repair, but this varies from surgeon to surgeon.
Success Factors
Some men are fertile right away after their reversal, but many times it takes a few months for normal sperm to start showing up at intercourse. This depends on where the blockage was, how old the man is, and how much swelling occurs after the procedure. The best way to determine the success of a reversal is to obtain a semen analysis four months after the procedure. It counts how many sperm and how active they are. Lots of active sperm increases the chances of a pregnancy resulting from the procedure.
Looking For More Information?
Make sure to explore other articles in the Health category or contact us to suggest a website or a service to review.
