Vasectomy ReversalThe major factors that will alter the success of this procedure are the time duration between the initial vasectomy and its reversal and the amount of vas that was removed.
Using the operating microscope with a magnification of x20 allows for accurate placement of small stitches to enable an improved result.
Patients are admitted as a day-case and the operation is performed under general anaesthetic and takes two hours.
The success rate depends on the duration from the previous vasectomy with potential pregnancy rates as follows:
- Less than two years Patency 95% Pregnancy 80%
- 3 - 5 years Patency 85% Pregnancy 75%
- 6 - 10 years Patency 75% Pregnancy 55%
- More than 15 years Patency 60% Pregnancy 40%
Additional Procedures:
At the time of the vasectomy reversal fresh sperm can be collected and frozen for subsequent use in In Vitro Fertilisation treatment cycles, or fresh sperm can be harvested at the time to be used immediately with an IVF and Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) procedure with the partner.
The expected pregnancy rate can be enhanced with the use of IVF and ICSI where there are no known complicating factors for the female partner. It therefore offers an ideal opportunity for patients who wish to maximise the chances of a pregnancy to combine vasectomy reversal with these procedures.
Recommendations:
1. Microsurgical vasectomy reversal.
Short duration from time of vasectomy (less than five years).
Younger woman (less than 30 years of age).
2. Microsurgical vasectomy reversal combined with sperm freezing.
Longer duration from vasectomy (greater than 5 years).
Older woman (over 30 years) to maximise pregnancy rate.
3. Microsurgical vasectomy reversal combined with IVF and ICSI.
Longer duration from vasectomy (greater than 5 years).
Older woman (over 30 years) to maximise pregnancy rate.
Further information and details of the operation will be discussed at the initial consultation.
