• When to Call Your Doctor About Post-Operative Swelling

    Swelling is among the most common side effects for patients who have undergone any type of surgery, including vasectomy reversals. If you ever have any questions or concerns following an operation, don’t hesitate to get in touch with the doctor. You should also carefully review your discharge information and follow the instructions listed there. 

    What to Expect 

    You should expect to experience some scrotal swelling after your surgery. The area will also look bruised and be uncomfortable. It shouldn’t be painful as long as you’re taking your medications as prescribed. The degree of swelling can vary from one patient to the next. Some might notice a great deal of swelling, while others only have a little. 

    How Long It Will Last 

    The swelling and other post-operative side effects will be most noticeable during the first week. By the end of that week, you should notice a gradual decline in the amount of swelling. Some minor swelling may linger for an additional one to two weeks. By the end of the third week, the swelling should have been resolved. 

    When to Worry 

    Generally, swelling is not a red flag unless it’s excessive or it’s accompanied by severe, worsening pain. However, you can always call the doctor if you’re unsure of whether your swelling is a sign of a complication. It’s uncommon, but possible, for men to experience a hematoma after a vasectomy reversal. A hematoma is a collection of pooling blood that occurs when a blood vessel ruptures. You should seek a doctor’s care if you suspect you might have a hematoma. You should also call your doctor if your pain is not well–managed. 

    What to Do 

    Following your discharge instructions will help you manage the post-operative swelling and other side effects. Keep an ice pack on the scrotal area for 20 minutes at a time. Get plenty of rest, especially during the first day or two. Avoid vigorous physical activity for two weeks. And don’t forget to wear your scrotal support! 

    The Center for Vasectomy Reversal provides extensive pre-operative and post-operative support for our patients. Dr. Joshua Green is always responsive to his patients, and each patient receives his personal cell phone number. If you have questions about your vasectomy reversal in Sarasota, give us a call at (941) 894-6428. 

  • Reducing Your Risk of Post-Operative Infections

    Vasectomy reversal procedures are safe for the vast majority of patients, and the chance of complications is low. However, as with any surgical procedure, there is a small risk of developing a post-operative infection. Dr. Green will discuss what to expect during your recovery with you in full, including the things you can do to reduce your risk of an infection after the procedure. After your vasectomy reversal, follow these steps to cut your infection risk.

    Follow Your Pre-Operative Instructions

    Before your procedure, your vasectomy reversal surgeon will provide you with a set of instructions. Following these directions will help to ensure you have the healthiest procedure possible. Some of these instructions may directly impact your risk of infection. For instance, your doctor may instruct you to use an antimicrobial wash in the run-up to your surgery to help keep infections at bay.

    Control Your Pre-Existing Conditions

    In some cases, patients have pre-existing conditions that can increase the risk of infection when, particularly if they are poorly controlled. Patients with diabetes, for example, have a higher risk of developing an infection, and that risk increases if blood glucose levels are not under control. Discuss your pre-existing conditions with your surgeon and ask what steps you can take to ensure that they don’t interfere with your recovery.

    Attend All Follow-Up Appointments

    Avoid missing any of your follow-up appointments, where your surgeon will examine your surgical site for evidence of infection. Early treatment will reduce the complications caused by any infection that does occur. If you notice signs of an infection, such as a discharge or pain at the surgical site, call your doctor right away.

    At the Center for Vasectomy Reversal, we work with each patient individually to ensure the safest procedure possible. If you are considering vasectomy reversal in Sarasota , schedule a consultation at our clinic today by calling (941) 894-6428.