If you decide to undergo a vasectomy reversal, you, your surgeon, and your anesthesiologist will discuss your options for anesthesia. Often, vasectomy reversals can be performed using a spinal anesthesia, or a spinal block, rather than general anesthesia. Spinal anesthesia carries less risk than general anesthesia and may allow you to recover from your procedure more quickly. Here is what you need to know.

What is spinal anesthesia?

Spinal anesthesia is a medication that numbs part of your body to prevent pain. It is used frequently for lower body procedures. Although spinal anesthesia is similar to an epidural, which is most often used during labor and delivery, it is not the same, as it is only delivered once and injected directly into the spinal cord. When you get spinal anesthesia, it means you will be awake for the procedure, but your doctor may also offer you a sedative for your comfort.

How is it administered?

Spinal anesthesia is delivered via an injection of fluid into your spinal cord. There is no need for a catheter because you will not receive the medication more than once. You may receive a sedative before the injection, particularly if you are nervous about receiving it. The medication works immediately, but your surgeon and anesthesiologist will ensure that you are completely comfortable before the surgery begins.

What are the benefits?

Because you are awake during spinal anesthesia, there is much less risk involved than there is with general anesthesia. The recovery is also much faster. As soon as the anesthesia wears off, you will be able to walk, though you may experience mild nausea and dizziness. You should not have any lasting side effects or residual pain from this type of anesthesia.

Dr. Green at the Center for Vasectomy Reversal will answer any questions you may have about your procedure so you can approach your surgery with confidence. If you are considering vasectomy reversal in Sarasota, call our clinic today at (941) 894-6428.

If you are undergoing a vasectomy reversal in the hopes of starting a family, you may be curious about the fertilization process that has to occur before your partner becomes pregnant. This video examines the process in detail.

For fertilization to occur, the ovaries in the female must release an egg that enters the Fallopian tubes. After ejaculation, millions of sperm are released, but only a few hundred will make their way to the Fallopian tube containing the egg. When a sperm manages to enter the egg, fertilization occurs and the genetic materials are combined.

The Center for Vasectomy Reversal is committed to helping our patients overcome male infertility caused by vasectomy with vasectomy reversals in Sarasota. To find out if you are a candidate, make an appointment with Dr. Green by calling (941) 894-6428.

If you started a family before your vasectomy and now have a pregnant partner after a vasectomy reversal , one of the most exciting moments will be sharing the news with your kids. Here are some ideas for letting your kids know that they are getting a new brother or sister.

Take Your Kids to a Doctor’s Appointment

Older children might not fall for this trick, but for younger kids, consider springing the news by taking them to one of your doctor’s appointments. Watch the realization set in as they see the baby on the ultrasound screen or when they hear the heartbeat, or explain to them exactly what is happening if they don’t get it at first. Not only is this a great way to share the news, but it is also exciting for your kids to see what the baby looks like at this stage and to actually hear their new sibling’s heart beating.

Get a Cake

Something almost every kid can agree on is cake, so send a message with a special cake that delivers the news. Order or bake a cake in the shape of a baby item, or have the news written on the cake. This method helps to share the news and gives you something to celebrate it with all at the same time. You can also use a cake later in the pregnancy to reveal the gender to your child.

Give Your Kids a Gift

There are lots of fun big brother and big sister items you can give your kids, from t-shirts to tote bags, that share the news and give them a little something to commemorate the occasion. You can also give each of your kids a scrapbook they can use to memorialize their experiences during the pregnancy and arrival of their new brother or sister. These scrapbooks can become treasured mementos in the future.

Dr. Joshua Green at the Center for Vasectomy Reversal in Sarasota makes moments like these possible with our vasectomy reversal and infertility procedures . Make an appointment to see if you are a candidate for vasectomy reversal by calling (941) 894-6428.

Vasectomy reversals are delicate procedures that require the expertise and experience of a highly trained surgeon. For this reason, men are strongly encouraged to select a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (ACS). When vasectomy reversal patients work with an ACS Fellow, they can rest assured that they are receiving exceptional care that is in accordance with the latest guidelines and accepted practices.

The ACS closely scrutinizes every application for Fellowship before making a decision. The organization abides by strict eligibility requirements that involve the applicant’s education, training, medical licensure, surgical practice, and ethical fitness. All ACS Fellows are also required to make a commitment toward ongoing professional development for the betterment of their patients.

Dr. Joshua Green of the Center for Vasectomy Reversal has successfully completed rigorous, advanced training at prestigious institutions and is an ACS Fellow in good standing. If you’re exploring your options for infertility procedures in Sarasota, you can contact our clinic at (941) 894-6428.

It’s perfectly natural to become a little nervous before having surgery, even if this won’t be your first operation. If you’re getting ready for a vasectomy reversal , you probably already know that the reversal is generally more complex than the original vasectomy. One way to calm your nerves is to ensure that you select a surgeon who specializes in these surgeries and who has impressive credentials.

Talk to Your Surgeon

Fear of the unknown can be particularly difficult to cope with. You may find it helpful to schedule an additional consult with your vasectomy reversal surgeon. Make sure you understand every step of the preparation, procedure, and recovery processes. Patients often find that when they fully understand the procedure and trust the expertise of the surgeon, that their surgical anxieties are lessened.

Use Relaxation Methods

Let your partner know that you’re experiencing some anxiety about the upcoming procedure and tell her if there is anything she can do to help you. You might want to go out and see a movie to distract yourself, for example. In addition to planned distractions, try listening to soothing, tranquil music. Close your eyes and take a deep breath through your nose, and then breathe out slowly through your mouth. Visualize the end goal of the vasectomy reversal, which, of course, is to become a parent. Focus on your hopes and dreams for your child, and let these visualizations soothe your worries.

Avoid Self-Medicating

It’s not unusual for people to turn to tobacco, alcohol, or even herbal supplements when they’re under significant stress. But because you’re preparing for a surgery, it’s essential to stay in good physical health. Tobacco will increase the risk of surgical complications and delay the healing process. Alcohol and some herbal supplements may also increase the risks. Always consult your physician before taking any supplements or medications before surgery.

Here at the Center for Vasectomy Reversal , Dr. Joshua Green works closely with each patient and his partner to assuage surgical anxieties, answer questions, and support a comfortable recovery. In fact, all patients of Dr. Green’s in Sarasota and beyond receive his personal cellphone number in case unexpected issues or questions arise. To reach our office, call (941) 894-6428.