Procedure
A vasectomy reversal procedure takes about three to five hours. No overnight stay is required, though you will need to be accompanied by an adult for the following twenty-four hours. Right after the vasectomy reversal surgery ice packs will be placed in the groin area and usually by the second day only over-the-counter pain pills are needed such as Tylenol, Advil or Motrin. Most patients return to work within three days, unless their occupation involves strenuous physical activity or extended periods of driving.
Before Surgery
Your doctor will make sure vasectomy reversal is likely to work, check to see the health of your sperm, and confirm that your partner is capable of having a child.
During Surgery
Doctors usually perform vasectomy reversals at a surgery center or at a hospital. The procedure is generally done on an outpatient basis — without an overnight stay. Your doctor may use general anesthetics so that you are not awake during surgery. Or, your surgeon may give you an anesthetic that keeps you from feeling pain, but doesn't put you to sleep — such as an epidural, spinal or local anesthetic. During surgery, your doctor will make a small incision on the underside of your scrotum. This will expose the testicle and release it from surrounding tissues.
Next, your doctor will cut open the tube that carries sperm (vas deferens) and examine the fluid inside. Ideally, this fluid will contain healthy, moving sperm and plenty of clear fluid. If the fluid is thick or pasty, or if it contains no sperm or partial sperm, scar tissue may be blocking sperm flow. In this case, a vasoepididymostomy may be the best option. Immediately after surgery, your doctor will cover the incisions with bandages. You'll put on a clean jockstrap to hold bandages in place and to apply pressure to reduce swelling and movement.
After Surgery
Patients are usually discharged 15-30 minutes after the surgery. Make arrangements for someone to drive you home. It is important to take it easy. Periodically use an ice pack on your scrotum to help reduce swelling. As the anesthetic wears off, you may have some pain and cramping. For most men, the pain isn't severe and gets better after a few days to a week. Any bruising will disappear after approximately two weeks.
We look forward to seeing you.