Thursday, March 24, 2016

Options On How To Reverse Vasectomy

By Mary Williams


Vasectomy is considered as permanent contraception method for men. It involves the cutting of an important sperm conduit known as the vas deferens. When this happens, the sperms can no longer reach the urethra and the female genital tract (hence no fertilization can occur). Advances in surgical techniques have made it possible to reverse vasectomy enabling affected men to achieve fertility once again.

A technique termed microsurgical vasectomy reversal is the most effective for use in this procedure. It involves minimal access of the anatomical structures of interest. A powerful microscope makes this possible. The main advantages of the technique include higher success rates and less complications. Reestablishment of fertility is achieved using one of two approaches; vasovasostomy (joining of the cut stumps) and vasoepididymostomy (joining the vas deferens to the epididymis).

It is important to emphasize that even with the best surgeon and technique failure is not uncommon. One of the causes of failure is the extensive scarring that occurs once the vas deferens has been cut causing loss of patency. The scar tissue has to be removed before re-joining is done. This is complicated further by the small size of the vas. Another difficulty that is commonly encountered is a difference in the diameter of stumps.

Before the operation, you have to undergo evaluation by a fertility specialist and a urologist. The aim of this evaluation is to determine the probability of achieving success in the operation. The specialist will seek to establish whether or not you were fertile before the ligation procedure. They also attempt to identify the presence (or absence) of sperm antibodies that may have been formed over time.

It has been shown through research that between 70% and 90% of persons that undergo the reversal procedure are successful. Interestingly, age does not appear to influence the success rate. However, the chances of regaining fertility decline progressively from the period of ligation. Persons who undergo reversal within 3 years achieve the best results while those who undergo it after 10 or more years have more unfavorable outcomes.

Although the technique is considered safe generally, there are a number of potential risks that exist. Bleeding, surgical site infection and fluid accumulation within the scrotal sac are some of the most commonly encountered complications particularly in the immediate post-operative period. Others include blood vessel and nerve fiber injury. Rarely, patients may suffer from deep venous thrombosis (DVT) or may react to anesthesia.

The microsurgical operation is usually done in outpatient clinics. It typically lasts between two and four hours except in cases of extensive scar tissues in which more time may be required. Since spinal anesthesia is used in most cases, one can leave the hospital on the same day the operation is performed. Pain is mild to moderate and most people resume their normal routines within about three days.

When it comes to fertility, one should bear in mind that there are two partners involved. Both have to be investigated thoroughly before a diagnosis of failure can be made. The chances of the fertility problem being attributed to the woman are highest in women older than 35 years particularly if they have never conceived before.




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