Re-Do Vasectomy Reversal Surgeries: What You Need to Know

Vasectomy reversals are performed to reconnect the vas deferens and make pregnancy possible after men have had vasectomies. Vasectomy reversals have a high rate of success, as defined by the presence of sperm in the semen within 12 months of the procedure. However, some men do experience failed vasectomy reversals, which may lead them to consider getting a re-do procedure. You may be a good candidate for a re-do operation, but only a vasectomy reversal surgeon can determine this.  

What Causes Failed Vasectomy Reversals 

There are a number of possible causes for a failed reversal. One potential reason is that scar tissue has built up at the surgical site. The body naturally produces scar tissue as part of the healing response. When there is too much scar tissue around the vas deferens, it can block the sperm from passing through this narrow tube. During a re-do procedure, the surgeon can remove the scar tissue. Other possibilities to consider include: 

• Surgical site infection 
• Post-surgical trauma in the scrotal area 
• Presence of anti-sperm antibodies 
• Improper use of the vasovasostomy instead of another surgical technique 

What Other Factors Contribute to Infertility  

A failed vasectomy reversal can be defined in two main ways: The failure of the sperm to travel through the vas deferens, or the failure to conceive a child naturally. In other words, even if the original procedure did result in the presence of sperm in the semen, there may be other underlying issues causing male or female infertility. Before considering a re-do reversal, it’s advisable for you and your partner to undergo a medical evaluation to assess fertility. 

Why You Might Consider Sperm Aspiration 

Even if the vasectomy reversal surgeon determines that a re-do procedure isn’t likely to succeed, you do have another option for having biological children. The surgeon can aspirate sperm from the epididymis. This is known as the MESA procedure. You and your partner may then decide to use the sperm for an in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycle. 

Dr. Joshua Green has considerable expertise in re-do vasectomy reversals and has performed many of them successfully. Every patient has unique circumstances to consider, and so you should consult Dr. Green in Sarasota directly to find out if a repeat reversal might be right for you. Call the Center for Vasectomy Reversal at (941) 894-6428 to request a consult. 

Understanding the Vasectomy Reversal Procedure

The vasectomy reversal is a highly delicate, complex procedure. The goal is to reconnect the vas deferens, which is the tiny tube that carries sperm from the testicle to the semen. This can enable a couple to get pregnant. The vas deferens is about one-third of a millimeter in diameter. The surgeon places several tiny stitches around that tube to reconnect the severed ends. 

You can learn more about vasectomy reversals by watching the accompanying video clip of “The Doctors” TV show. It features a couple who underwent the procedure and their vasectomy reversal surgeon. You’ll hear about success rates, semen analysis, and other options, such as IVF. 

Dr. Joshua Green at the Center for Vasectomy Reversal looks forward to meeting you and your partner. Call (941) 894-6428 to begin the process of exploring infertility procedures available in Sarasota.

Questions to Ask Your Surgeon About Your Vasectomy Reversal Procedure

The decision to have any sort of surgery should never be made lightly. It’s important to be a proactive patient by asking the vasectomy reversal surgeon all of your questions and learning about the procedure from credible sources. Don’t hesitate to call the clinic if any questions or concerns occur to you after your initial consultation. 

How long does the procedure take? 

A vasectomy reversal is an outpatient procedure, which means you won’t have to stay at the hospital overnight. It typically takes two to three hours to perform it. If the doctor needs to perform a vasoepididymostomy, which is a more complicated surgical technique, then it will take a little longer. The doctor probably won’t know whether this technique is needed until during the surgery itself. Additionally, it will take some time to prepare you for surgery and to monitor you afterward. 

Will I be asleep? 

Yes, this procedure is performed under general anesthesia. If you’ve ever had general anesthesia before and experienced a reaction to it, let the doctor know. You’ll be asked not to consume any food or liquids for eight to 12 hours prior to your appointment. Your vital signs will be continuously monitored during the surgery, and while you’re coming out of the anesthesia afterward. It’s normal to be groggy for a while afterward. You should plan to rest after you return home. 

Will it be painful afterward? 

Most patients report that the pain isn’t as bad as they expected. You would probably describe it as discomfort or an aching sensation, similar to what you experienced after your original vasectomy. The doctor will prescribe pain medications. Follow the dosage instructions on the label carefully, and call the pharmacist if you have any questions. You should also apply an ice pack for 20 minutes off and on to minimize the discomfort and swelling. 

You can get the answers to all of your questions during your consultation with Dr. Joshua Green. Here at the Center for Vasectomy Reversal, we emphasize the importance of patient education and pre-operative preparedness. You can call our vasectomy reversal clinic in Sarasota at (941) 894-6428. 

What Are the Factors That Impact Vasectomy Reversal Success?

After you undergo a vasectomy reversal, you’ll need to wait a while to find out if it was successful in restoring the mobility of sperm. In about six to eight weeks, you’ll provide a semen sample for analysis. If sperm is present in the sample, the operation was a success. Occasionally, it may take a year or longer for sperm to be present in the semen. While vasectomy reversals are generally highly successful, there are several factors that can affect the success rate. Likewise, there are many issues that can affect female and male fertility, other than issues pertaining to the surgery. 

Length of Time 

The length of time between the original vasectomy and the vasectomy reversal surgery can be a factor in the success rate. Men who undergo a reversal within five years of having the reversal will generally have a 95% or greater chance of success. If between five and 10 years have passed, there is about a 90% success rate. If more than a decade has gone by, the success rate is generally between 80% and 90%. 

Anatomical Blockage  

Aside from the length of time that has passed, one of the biggest factors that can affect the success of the operation is the presence of scar tissue. After the original surgery, scar tissue can develop in the vas deferens or the epididymis. This means that, even if the severed ends of the vas deferens are successfully reconnected, sperm may not be present in the semen. 

Surgical Skills 

A vasectomy reversal is far more technically difficult than a vasectomy. Surgeons must have specialized skills and plenty of hands-on experience in order to produce a high success rate. It’s important to choose a vasectomy reversal surgeon who specializes in this field, and who has had a long and successful career. 

Dr. Green in Sarasota has performed hundreds of vasectomy reversal surgeries with a high rate of success. He invites men and their partners to come in for a consult at the Center for Vasectomy Reversal. Call our friendly staff at (941) 894-6428, and ask about long-distance consults for out-of-town patients. 

A Brief Overview of the Outpatient Surgery Process

The vasectomy reversal is an outpatient procedure, which means you won’t need to stay overnight at a hospital. When you meet with Dr. Joshua Green for your consultation, you’ll receive all the necessary instructions. Avoid eating and drinking anything, including water, for at least eight hours prior to the surgery. If you need to take medications, speak with Dr. Green about whether you can take them with a sip of water. Please arrive at the Surgery Center 90 minutes before the start of the procedure. Your partner is welcome to wait with you until you’re taken to the operating room. 

Once you’re in the pre-operative suite, you’ll have the opportunity to ask any last-minute questions you might have about the vasectomy reversal. At this time, you’ll also meet with the anesthesiologist to discuss your options. Then, a nurse will insert an intravenous (IV) line and you’ll receive a sedative. It’s likely that you won’t remember anything that happens after this point. You’ll wake up in the recovery area under close monitoring. Before you’re discharged, you and your partner will receive detailed post-op instructions. 

If you have any questions about your upcoming vasectomy reversal in Sarasota, you can contact the Center for Vasectomy Reversal at (941) 894-6428. Dr. Green prides himself on providing personalized care and attentive service.

Considering a Vasectomy Reversal? Here Are the Answers to Questions You May Have

No matter how sure you were of your decision to get a vasectomy, there’s always the potential to change your mind later. And thanks to vasectomy reversal surgeries, you still have a chance to become a parent for the first time or to father another child. You’ll likely have lots of questions if you’re considering this surgery. Your best source of information is a vasectomy reversal surgeon, but here are a few factors to consider. 

What are the chances the surgery will be successful? 

The success rates for vasectomy reversals are quite high, even if it’s been years since the original surgery. For example, even if it’s been five to 10 years since the original vasectomy, about 90% of men will have sperm in the ejaculate after a reversal. 

Is a success rate the same as a pregnancy rate? 

Not quite. The success rate refers to the number of men who test positive for sperm in the ejaculate after a reversal surgery. It’s possible for the pregnancy rate to be lower, and this may be due to reasons other than male infertility. Before moving forward with the surgery, it’s a good idea for your partner to speak with a fertility doctor. There may be some female fertility issues to consider. 

Does it matter which surgeon I choose? 

Absolutely. Although vasectomy reversals are a commonly performed surgery, they are complicated and require the skills and knowledge of an expert. There is a greater chance of a successful result if you choose a vasectomy reversal surgeon who specializes in these procedures, has an extensive background with them and has a long track record of success. Additionally, look for a surgeon who: 

• Is board certified 
• Has performed hundreds of male infertility surgeries 
• Will take the time to address all of your questions and concerns thoroughly 
• Performs the procedure at an accredited surgical facility 
• Works with a board-certified anesthesiologist 

Dr. Joshua Green’s board certification, excellent track record, and impeccable credentials are just some of the reasons why so many men choose the Center for Vasectomy Reversal. Call (941) 894-6428 to schedule a vasectomy reversal consultation in Sarasota today. Dr. Green will personally answer all of your questions and give you all the information you need to make a decision.  

Can a Vasectomy Reversal Impact Sexual Function?

Because of the nature of vasectomy reversal surgery, it’s common for men to have questions about the side effects of the procedure, including how it may impact sexual functioning. The good news is that a vasectomy reversal will not affect your sexual functioning in any way. After you heal from the procedure, you can expect to go back to your normal sex life without any complications.

During a vasectomy reversal, Dr. Green will reconnect the vas deferens or connect the vas deferens with the epididymis, depending on the nature of your original surgery. Both types of reversal surgery are focused on the scrotum. Because of this, no part of the body that controls erections or testosterone production is affected, so there will be no disruption to sexual function or drive.

At the Center for Vasectomy Reversal in Sarasota, we are available to answer all of your questions about the procedure, so you can make an informed decision for your needs. To make an appointment, call (941) 894-6428.

How Does Age Affect Vasectomy Reversal Success Rates?

There are many factors that can influence the success of vasectomy reversals, from overall health to the length of the time between the original vasectomy and the reversal procedure. One factor that many prospective vasectomy reversal patients have questions about is age. Does age affect the success of vasectomy reversals? Here is what you need to know.

Age is less of a factor than time since the procedure.

Many men who are interested in vasectomy reversals are older, having changed their minds after having a vasectomy when they were young. Age is less of a determinant of how successful a vasectomy reversal will be than the time between the original procedure and the reversal surgery. An older man whose vasectomy is more recent is likely to have fewer concerns about the success of his reversal than a younger man whose vasectomy was many years before.

Age-related health concerns can be a factor.

Although age itself is not a significant factor in vasectomy reversal success rates, some age-related health complications can impact how successful the procedure is. Some of the health issues that occur in older men can make it unsafe to have surgery or can interfere with healing and the overall success of the procedure. Your vasectomy reversal surgeon will review your health history with you before your procedure to make sure it is safe for you to have anesthesia and that you are a good candidate for surgery.

Age can affect the quality of sperm.

A vasectomy reversal can be successful while other infertility issues still persist. Although age is a much bigger factor in fertility in women than men, age can still impact the quality of sperm, which in turn can make it harder to successfully achieve a pregnancy. Additional infertility treatments may be necessary.

Before your surgery at the Center for Vasectomy Reversal, Dr. Green will review the procedure with you and help you understand all of the factors that can influence the success of the reversal. Schedule an appointment for a vasectomy reversal consultation in Sarasota by calling (941) 894-6428.

What to Expect Before and After Your Vasectomy Reversal

A vasectomy reversal is a safe procedure for most patients and involves a relatively fast recovery. By preparing for your procedure and recovery before your surgery, you can ensure that you can get back to your normal life as quickly as possible. Your vasectomy reversal surgeon will tell you what you need to do to get ready for surgery and what you can expect during your recovery. This information will also help you as you get ready for your vasectomy reversal surgery.

Before Your Vasectomy Reversal

Before your procedure, you will have a consultation with your vasectomy reversal surgeon. He or she will review your health history and talk about what you can expect from your surgery. You will likely need to have to blood work performed to ensure that it is safe for you to have surgery. Your surgeon will also perform a physical exam. He or she may check to see if you are producing healthy sperm so that you know that you don’t have other infertility issues before your surgery. If you already have children, your surgeon may assume that you have healthy sperm. If you have never fathered a child, you may need additional testing.

After Your Vasectomy Reversal

Most vasectomy reversals are performed on an outpatient basis, which means that you will go home the same day as your procedure. You will need someone to drive you home from the surgery center. You are likely to feel sore. Ice will help, as well as pain medications recommended by your surgeon. You will need to wear an athletic supporter for several weeks as you heal. Men who work at desk jobs can usually return to work within a few days but should limit physical labor as well as most exercise for up to four weeks. You should also refrain from having sexual intercourse until your surgeon says it is safe. About six weeks after surgery, your surgeon will begin periodically checking your semen for sperm to determine if the procedure is successful.

Start the process of seeing a vasectomy reversal by calling the Center for Vasectomy Reversal to schedule a consultation. Make an appointment with Dr. Green in Sarasota by calling (941) 894-6428.

Is Reversal Success Affected by a Cauterized and Tied Vas?