Services: Vasectomy Reversal - Procedure
VASOVASOSTOMYAND VASOEPIDIDYMOSTOMY
INFORMATION ABOUT THE PROCEDURES
The following information provides an overview of the surgical procedure and answers to the most frequently asked questions regarding vasectomy reversals.
Surgery is performed in an accredited hospital or freestanding ambulatory surgery center. These facilities have been chosen for their friendly and professional staff and their sophisticated operating microscopes. All types of anesthesia can be used, from local anesthesia, regional block to general anesthesia. This is, in part, determined by patient's preference with input from the anesthesiologist and myself. We also offer sperm banking at the time of the procedure in our on-site, licensed and accredited sperm bank (New York Cryo).
What is a Vasectomy Reversal?
There are two procedures that can be performed to 'reverse' the blockage caused by a prior vasectomy (cutting the tubes that bring the sperm from the testes to the urethra). These are a vasovasostomy and vasoepididymostomy. Use of an operating microscope has been documented to provide the best success rate.
A microsurgical vasovasostomy is the reconnection of the two severed ends of the vas deferens (as shown below). The vas deferens is the conduit for sperm to travel from the testis to the urethra. This is the preferred procedure and offers the best chance of sperm returning to the ejaculate and subsequent pregnancy.
ends of vas deferens prior to reconnection
A microsurgical vasoepididymostomy (VE) is the connection of the end of the vas deferens to the epididymis. This is a more extensive procedure and is performed when there is a congenital blockage of the vas deferens or when sperm does not flow from the opened end of the vas deferens at the time of reconstructive surgery. A VE will always be performed if required.
vas deferens and epididymal tubule prior to reconnection
Are there ways to obtain sperm other than a vasectomy reversal?
Yes, several ways! These involve taking sperm from either the open end of the vas deferens, from the epididymis (MESA; Microsurgical Epididymal Sperm Aspiration) and from the Testes (TESE; TEsticular Sperm Extraction). Sperm retrieved in this manner can be cryopreserved (sperm banked) for future use. This can be done at the time of a vasectomy reversal or as a separate procedure. Sperm retrieved in this manner can only be used with In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) procedures. This is because of the low number and decreased motility (movement
If you would like more information please contact me at:
516-487-2700 or 877-769-2796 (toll free)
or by e-mail: info@vasectomyreversalmd.com .