Vasectomy reversal makes fatherhood possible

For men who want to have a baby after vasectomy, our Houston urology surgeons can perform vasectomy reversal procedures that may restore normal sperm counts. While getting a vasectomy is a quick and simple procedure, reversing one is much more complex, requiring the knowledge and expertise of a skilled urological surgeon.

Two types of vasectomy reversal surgery

Our surgeons perform two types of minimally invasive surgery to help men have a baby after vasectomy. Which surgery is right for you will depend on certain factors that may not be discovered until the surgery is under way.

• Vasovasostomy, or VV, is a complex microsurgery in which the surgeon reconnects sections of the severed or clamped vas deferens, so that sperm can once again travel freely through the tube.
• Vasoepididymostomy, or VE, is a more technically challenging surgery in which the vas deferens is connected to a small tubule in the epididymis, where sperm are generated. This procedure is typically used when an obstruction makes reconnecting the vas deferens ineffective, as the sperm would still be unable to travel through the vas deferens to be ejaculated.

Typically, our Houston urology surgeons begin with a plan to perform a VV, and during the surgery, will test for any obstructions by examining fluid found within the vas deferens. If an obstruction is found, the procedure then becomes a VE, and the surgeon locates a viable tubule in the epididymis that can be used to connect directly to the vas deferens.

The risk of needing VE, instead of the simpler VV procedure, increases with the amount of time that has passed since your vasectomy was performed. If it has been many years since your vasectomy, your surgeon will advise you on what they expect to see and do once the surgery is under way. If VE is anticipated, general rather than local anesthesia may be recommended, as this procedure will take additional time, and it’s important for the patient to be absolutely still for this delicate operation.

How effective is surgery to help you have a baby after vasectomy?

Success rates for restoring the flow of sperm after vasectomy reversal can be as high as 90% to 95%, with vasovasotomy procedures generally having higher success rates than vasoepididymostomy procedures. Our Houston urology surgeons perform minimally invasive, robotic surgery, which reduces complications and results in a quicker recovery.

Men can return home the same day, and should expect to rest and take it easy for several days after the surgery. We will prescribe pain medication to take if needed, and will instruct men to avoid heavy lifting and ejaculation for a few weeks. Most men are able to return to work within a few days, with only over-the-counter pain medications as needed.

Because it may take several weeks or even months for normal sperm count to return, we will schedule follow-up visits after the procedure that will include regular semen analyses. Most men find that they don’t need in vitro fertilization to have a baby after vasectomy reversal, and can go on to father more than one child if they wish to.

It is our honor to be part of your family-building journey. To learn more about vasectomy reversal, please contact us to schedule a consultation with our skilled Houston urology surgeons.