Vasectomy reversal is not always successful. When the patient has received the initial vasectomy it will have been explained that to reverse this procedure is very difficult.
It is possible to re connect the deferens (tubes) after the initial operation to reverse the vasectomy but does not work in all patients.
With most mind changes down to the patients want to father a child it is important for a successful outcome that the reversal is performed as soon as possible after the initial operation. The longer the reversal is left the harder it will be for the procedure to be successful.
Whilst an operation may have been successful it is important to understand that only half of the successful reversal patients will make their partner pregnant within the first two years.
This will all be explained on the initial consultation.
During the operation small incisions will be made on either side of the scrotum usually in the same place as the vasectomy scars with occasionally only one cut required in the centre of the scrotum.
Each tube is then carefully pulled through the incisions and attached using dissolvable stitches. The tubes are then placed back into the scrotum with the incisions being closed to finish.
Sometimes it isn't possible to rejoin the vas deferens tubes in both testicles and only one is rejoined.
The patient may experience some discomfort in the days after the procedure but this should disappear within one to two weeks with most patients returning to work at this point.
This procedure will normally be covered by the medical insurance policy but patients are advised to check with the provider prior to any treatment.
If the patient is paying for their own treatment all costs will be discussed and explained prior to any treatment taking place. This will be confirmed in writing along with any surgeon fees, anaesthetist fees and hospital charges prior to admission.