What is a Vasectomy Reversal?

A vasectomy is a surgical operation performed on males to produce sterility. During the operation, the sperm duct, which is called the vas deferens, is cut. This operation prevents sperm from being ejaculated from the urethra, causing sterility. A vasectomy reversal is a surgical operation that attempts to return fertility. According to the Cleveland Clinic, this operation is performed in most cases in an outpatient setting. Patients can return home the same day, often within hours of the operation. The Mayo Clinic states that only about half of vasectomy reversal operations are successful. There are two main types of surgical procedures used for vasectomy reversals.

Vasovasostomy

A vasovasostomy is the name for the procedure in which the ends of the sperm duct, the vas deferens, are reconnected. When a patient begins undergoing a vasectomy reversal operation, the patient is first anesthetized. According the American Urological Association, the urologist makes a small cut on each side of the scrotum and cleans the scarred tissue from the ends of the vas deferens, which had been cut during the vasectomy procedure. A sample is drawn to see if sperm is present in the cut sperm duct. If sperm is present, the ends of the tubes are connected with stitches.

Vasoepididymostomy

If there is no sperm present in the cut sperm duct, the urologist will have to perform a procedure that is more complicated. A vasectomy can cause back pressure on the sperm duct, and a blockage can form in the vas deferens. A vasectomy reversal in this situation requires the blockage to be bypassed. This is done by surgically connecting the upper or abdominal end of the vas deferens to the epididymis, which is a tube closer to the testicle. This procedure bypasses the blockage and allows sperm to ejaculate from the urethra.

Recovery

According to the American Urological Association, half of the patients who get a vasectomy reversal experience about the same pain and discomfort as experienced during the vasectomy. One fourth experience worse pain than during the original vasectomy, and one fourth of patients experience less pain. Most patients are back to normal routines in one week, although they are advised to restrain from heavy work for four weeks.