Vasectomy Reversal Procedures

Although Vasectomy should be considered an irreversible procedure, this is not technically true. Changing social circumstances may lead to a new desire for fertility.

 If a man has had a Vasectomy in the past, the tubes may be reconnected by bypassing the scarred area that is associated with the previous Vasectomy. There are various methods for performing a vasectomy reversal, and your surgeon will discuss the differences in each technique and which is most appropriate for your circumstances

Two procedures are generally used for reverse vasectomies:

• Vasovasostomy
• Epididymovasostomy

ADVANTAGES OF VASECTOMY REVERSAL:

• Much less expensive than In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) or most reproductive technologies
• Multiple pregnancies are possible after vasectomy reversal, unlike other reproductive technologies

DISADVANTAGES VASECTOMY REVERSAL:

• No sperm or low sperm count, even if the Vas is reconnected; this can be the result of scarring, chronic congestion or the development of anti-sperm antibodies.
• High risk of failure. If the vasectomy reversal fails, the patient will likely have to go on to IVF or an alternative reproductive technology.
• Time interval since vasectomy does play a role. The quality and nature of Vasal fluid, and presence of Epididymal obstruction are also instrumental in the success of a Vasectomy Reversal.

 

PREPARATION FOR YOUR SURGERY

Before traveling to Cyprus, as part of your surgery preparation you will complete a detailed specific questionnaire, which will allow our doctors to determine your eligibility for chosen procedure.

Ten days prior to your arrival in Cyprus, you will receive all the necessary pre operative instructions, to prepare yourself both physically and mentally for your chosen procedure.

Before your departure your records will be reviewed thoroughly by our surgeon. This includes X-rays and a complete medical and surgical history as well as your specific issues.

After traveling to Cyprus, a new set of X-rays will be taken as well as an in person physical examination.

The surgeon and anesthetist will also go through you medical and surgical issues with you. During this visit, your surgeon will discuss your procedure and answer any questions.

Preparation for the hospital

Here are a few things to keep in mind as you pack and prepare for the hospital and recuperation:

Clothing
Getting dressed in the morning helps you feel better, so be sure to bring some comfortable clothing to the hospital:

• Loose shorts or pants
• Loose tops or T-shirts
• Underwear and socks
• Short robe or pajamas
• Toiletries

Morning of surgery

Bring all your medicines in their original containers with you to the hospital. You will meet with the anesthesiologist. This doctor will talk to you about general anesthesia. This is a controlled sleep while the surgery is being done so you will not feel any pain or remember the surgery. You will have an IV or intravenous line put in to give you fluid and medicine during your surgery. When it is time for you to go to surgery, your family will be asked to wait in the waiting area. Your doctor will talk to your family there after your surgery is done.

Recovery after surgery

When you wake up after your surgery, you will be in the recovery room. You will stay there until you are awake and your pain is under control. Most patients return to their room after a few hours.

You will have an analgesia pump device to deliver pain medication into your IV or epidural space (in your spine). You will also have compression boots on your lower legs to help your circulation. They will be taken off when you are able to walk.

You will most likely be tired and a bit sore for a few days. You may have pain not only from your incision, but also from muscle soreness in your upper back and shoulders. This is from the positioning in the operating room during the surgery. You will have liquid pain medicine in the hospital and a prescription for pain pills at home.

You may have a sore throat. This is a result of the placement of anesthesia tubes during surgery. Throat lozenges and spray usually help. 

Your scrotum may be slightly swollen as well.  This will improve after a few days but may continue for a week or so. 

You may have stinging and possible trouble initiating the urinary stream, however this will be overcome within the first few days post operatively.

Hospital discharge and home instructions

The recovery course will depend on the extent of your surgery, however normally 1 night hospitalization is necessary.

Before leaving the hospital, our surgeon and staff will help you adjust to recovery in every way possible. You will receive specific instructions and precautions from your surgeon and nursing staff and they will show you safe techniques of simple activities like getting in and out of bed, bathing, going to the bathroom etc.

Prior to being discharged, you will receive the following instructions for care of areas of the body that may be affected by lymph node removal:

• All incisions to the area should be properly cleaned, treated with an antibiotic ointment, and covered with a bandage.
• Heavy lifting should be avoided; bags should be carried on the unaffected arm.
• Tight clothing should be avoided.

You will be able to leave the hospital when you are:

• Able to eat a regular diet and drink fluids
• Passing gas or you have had a bowel movement
• Passing urine
• Not having a fever or other signs of infection
• Walk for short distances 

 

LIFE AFTER SURGERY

These guidelines give you an overview of what you may expect as part of your care after you leave the hospital. Be sure to follow your surgeon’s discharge instructions if they are different from what is listed here:

• Most people take 2-4 weeks to recover. 
• You may resume most of your normal activities the day after surgery. Avoid heavy lifting or active exercise (walking is encouraged) for 2 weeks.
• You should not drive for at least a week.

If you notice sudden swelling, contact our surgeon immediately.  This will be monitored through blood tests. 

Medications

Your medicines: Take the medicines you were taking before surgery, unless your surgeon has made a change.

• For pain

Your surgeon will order a prescription pain medicine for you after surgery. As your pain lessens, over the counter pain medicines such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen can be used. They can also be used instead of your prescription for mild pain.

• For constipation

Prescription pain medicines can cause constipation. Your doctor may order a stool softener to prevent this. You should be back to your normal bowel routine in about 2 weeks. If the stool softener does not work, take Milk of Magnesia. If you still are not getting relief, call your surgeon.

Follow-up

Follow-up after surgery is extremely important and our surgeons at Salus are committed to providing all the post surgical care you need.