The Vasectomy Reversal Operation
What is the vasectomy reversal operation like?
The operation is bigger than the vasectomy. It requires a general anaesthetic and is usually it's best to stay in hospital for a night afterwards relaxing fully. There will be an incision about 3cms long on each side of the scrotum.
Surgical microscope improves the success of your vasectomy reversal
The testes and sperm sac are closely examined and this also helps to find the two ends of the vas deferens tube. These are carefully dissected free from the scar tissue and the ends prepared. The procedure is very delicate and requires great precsision: a microscope is used to stitch the vasa together with very fine stitch material.
The skin is closed with stitches that are buried underneath it. There is therefore nothing that needs to be removed.
What can I expect after the vasectomy reversal?
A dressing will be applied overnight but this is removed the next day as it is much better to leave the incisions free. There may be a small amount of blood spotting. The scrotum is usually a bit swollen with minor bruising. It is advisable to take simple painkillers like Paracetamol or Brufen for the first few days and to do plenty of lying down. It doesn’t for medical reasons matter what sort of underwear you wear.
Occasionally the operation can be complicated by internal oozing of blood so that the scrotum gets quite swollen and bruised. This slows down recovery.
Also very rarely infections can set in so that the scrotum gets red and painful and you would need antibiotics from your doctor.
Usually a minimum of a week is needed off work.