Vasovasostomy Procedure | What to Expect
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Recovery Time For A Vasovasostomy (vasectomy reversal)
Vasovasostomy (vasectomy reversal) is the surgical procedure to restore fertility in men who have had a vasectomy. Recovery time for a vasovasostomy varies but most men are back to usual day to day activities in a week and more strenuous activities in a month after surgery.
Dr Dezarnaulds recommends minimal activity for a week and avoiding strenuous activity for a month.
What To Expect After A Vasovasostomy
What to expect after a vasovasostomy (vasectomy reversal). You will have some pain, bruising and swelling. You will be given good pain killers to manage this – most men do not need anything more than the occasional paracetamol (Panadol) by a week after surgery.
Sperm will return at a variable time – you will be given a form to order a sperm test three months after your surgery. The sample can be dropped at your local pathology provider (no need to travel back to Sydney) and Dr Dezarnaulds will give you the result over the phone a few days later.
›› Recovery from vasectomy reversal.
›› Risks and complications of vasectomy reversal.
›› Post operative instructions following vasectomy reversal.
Vasovasostomy Procedure - FAQs
How effective is a vasovasostomy?
A vasovasostomy is an effective method for restoring fertility following a vasectomy. Most patients can expect to see a success rate of 90% (in terms of sperm passing) with vasovasotomy vasectomy reversal.
Vasectomy reversal using vasoepididymostomy has a lower success rate than vasovasostomy and will only be utilised by Dr Dezarnaulds if necessary (that is, if the vasectomy has damaged from the epididymis (narrow pipe, upstream) all the way to the vas deferens). This surgery is less successful because a ‘big pipe’ is being joined to a ‘small pipe’. These joins are not as good as even sized pipes being rejoined as with vasovasostomy. The decision on whether a vasovasostomy is possible or a vasoepididymostomy is necessary will be made by Dr Dezarnaulds during your surgery (and for each side).
How long does vasovasostomy surgery take?
Dr Dezarnaulds has done many hundreds of vasectomy reversals using bilateral (ie. both sides) vasovasostomies. Total surgical time (both sides) is usually less than two hours. Occasionally more difficult cases will take longer but there is no difference in fee charged (by Dr Dezarnaulds, the anaesthetist or the hospital) for complexity or length of the surgery.
Is vasovasostomy surgery painful?
Vasovasostomy (vasectomy reversal surgery) will cause pain, bruising and swelling. You will be given good pain killers to help you manage this. Most men only need paracetamol (Panadol) occasionally by a week after surgery. About one in five men need nothing more than the occasional paracetamol from the very first day after their surgery. Even if you discomfort is minimal it is important to follow Dr Dezarnaulds’ post operative instructions (minimal activity for a week after surgery).