Vasectomy Reversal and Expected Outcomes: What Comes After the Reversal?
By: Seomul Evans
Submitted: 2011-12-19 21:06:27 | Word Count: 570
The fertility procedures, vasectomy and reversal, are both micro surgical procedures that could be performed as an outpatient type of surgery. In the vasectomy procedure, the doctor cuts and clamps the ends of the vas deferens tubes to prevent the sperm from going out the body during ejaculation. The vas deferens tubes are the passageway of the semen to carry the sperm from the testicles to the male prostate glands. The sperm will then go out of the body during ejaculation from the prostate glands to enter the urogenital opening of the woman.
Meaning of Vasectomy
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Vasectomy comes from the word vas and ectomy. Vas refers to the vas deferens tubes while the ectomy refers to the procedure.
Reversal Vasectomy Process
The surgeon will attempt to connect the two ends of the vas deferens tubes again. The objective is to provide a passageway for the semen to pass through without leaking. The continuous flow of the semen carrying the sperm provides a higher probability of success especially if there are no other complications found during the procedure. There are two techniques used during the reversal vasectomy. The use of technique largely depends on the health of the vas deferens tubes.
Vasovasostomy
Vasovasostomy requires simple suturing and connecting of the vas deferens tubes. However, this technique is feasible only for those who would decide to undergo the reversal within 3 years from vasectomy. The doctor will simply suture the severed ends to establish a good passageway for the semen to transport the sperm.
Vasoepididymostomy
This technique is applied only when the doctor finds a blockage or scar tissue within the sutured area. This usually happens when you take more than 10 years to decide after the reversal procedure. The complications brought about by the development of inflammation, blockage, or scar tissue will prevent the semen from flowing continuously to the prostate glands. The scar tissue could be a problem when attempting to suture back the vas deferens. When there are scar tissues, the doctor will opt to choose the vasoepididymostomy, which is actually the act of connecting the vas deferens tubes directly to the male epididymis.
Decision for Technique
There is no other approach available in determining the kind of technique to use for the reversal procedure except opening you up. The doctor could then note the condition of your tissues as well as the tubes of the vas deferens. Sometimes, the doctor could tell the condition of your vas deferens by simply examining your scrotum before you submit to the procedure. The idea is to look for any hardened portion of the epididymis that may be possibly reflect internal scar tissue formation.
Reversal VasectomyAnesthesia
The doctor may use local or general anesthesia during the outpatient reversal vasectomy. You may not be able to go home immediately after the procedure unless you declare that the effects of the anesthesia are completely gone. However, you can always go home on same date as long as the effects of the anesthesia totally wear off. Please do not attempt to drive back home if you still feel the effects of the anesthesia for your safety.
Bed Rest and Prescribed Activities
You need to follow the prescribed pain relievers of the doctor to keep your pain manageable for the first week after the procedure. Do not do any strenuous exercises and always keep in mind that you need to have a complete bed rest after the procedure.
