This operation is requested by people who had vasectomy some time ago, and there has been a change of circumstances, e.g.: remarriage, new relationship. It is technically more difficult and takes longer time to perform and recover.
Success of the operation depends on various factors:
Presence of anti-sperm antibodies: Anti-sperm antibodies are proteins that can inhibit the movement and function of sperm. Some research indicates that anti-sperm antibodies may decrease the chances for pregnancy after reversal surgery; however, studies have found little correlation between preoperative testing for anti-sperm antibodies and pregnancy. The difficulty in testing for anti-sperm antibodies before reversal surgery is that only serum (blood) antibodies can be tested, which do not accurately predict the antibodies that may be found in the semen after the operation. Because of these difficulties, most surgeons do not find anti-sperm antibody testing to be useful.
I usually recommend you to shave scrotum and have a shower prior to arrival at the centre.
The operation can be performed under general anaesthesia or under local anaesthesia supplemented by sedo-analgesia given by the anaesthetist.
Yes. Use of operating microscope has revolutionized this operation, enabling 2 layered micro surgical technique.
The scarred ends of vas are divided and patency confirmed by semen coming out of the testicular end and saline flush for the abdominal end. 9/O or 10/O nylon suture is used to join the freshened ends, usually in 2 layers. If there is no fluid from the testicular end one has to resort to vaso-epididymostomy (joining the vas to the epididymis).
A scrotal support with padding is recommended for the first 2 weeks. Avoid physical exertion for this duration. Pain killers and antibiotics are routinely prescribed to help with pain and prevent infection. Normal activities can be resumed in 48-72 hours, and intercourse in 10-14 days. Semen samples should be submitted in approximately 10 and 12 weeks.
Bruising: It is not unusual for the scrotum to look red, swollen and bruised for the first few days. It may occasionally bleed and require further surgery
Pain: Mild to moderate – controlled by tablets
Infection: As with any wound, there is a small risk of infection. If the wound looks red, feels hot and start oozing smelly fluid or you feel feverish, you will need medical attention. Rarely inflammation of testis or epididymis requiring antibiotics
Chronic testicular pain 5% or sperm granuloma- lumpy feel
No Guarantee that sperm will return to semen. Sperm may return but pregnancy not always achieved.
vasectomy reversal figures
Outcomes of our last 100 cases of Vasectomy reversal
Dr Gopinathi is a Consultant Anaethetist practicing for nearly 22 years. Dr Gopinathi’s NHS base is Princess Alexandra Hospital in Harlow, Essex. Within the private medical sector Dr Gopinathi has practice privileges at various hospitals in the Essex and Hertford areas.
The profile for Dr. Venkat Shenoy is currently being updated. We thank you for being patient in this time.
All your services will be personally provided by Mr Potluri and his dedicated team.
Mr Bernard Potluri qualified with a MB BS in 1977. He then obtained masters in general surgery in 1981 and was elected Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons in 1989. Mr Potluri gained a diploma in urology from the Institute of Urology and University College, London in 1991.
