How is the operation performed?
The operation is usually performed under general anaesthetic (i.e. you are asleep and will remember nothing of the procedure) as a day-case (in and out the same day). It involves either a single incision in the middle of the scrotum or 2 separate incisions, one on each side. The previous vasectomy leaves a scar on the vas that is located by the surgeon. The open part of the vas just above and below the scar is then cut, and the cut ends joined together to bypass the blockage created by the original operation. The tubes being joined are very small, and the stitches used are even smaller so magnification is used to help the surgeon to see the operative field more easily. The incision in the skin is then closed using dissolvable stitches. The operation is simple in principle but is technically much more demanding than the original vasectomy and takes about an hour and a half to perform.
After the operation
You will wake up in the recovery area in the theatre complex and stay there until you are properly awake. You will then be transferred back to Chatsworth Suite and will usually be able to go home a few hours later after you have had something to eat and drink and have been up and about a little. If for any reason you are not quite up to going home (for example if you remain sleepy for longer than is usual after the anaesthetic) you will be able to stay on Chatsworth Suite overnight but this is not usually necessary.
When you go home
You will need a couple of days of rest after the operation. After that you can resume normal activity as you feel able to do so. The join in the vas is very delicate so you should avoid any activities that will cause the testicles to pull down in the scrotum such as running or jogging until the discomfort has settled, usually a minimum of 4 weeks. Less strenuous activity (walking, normal household activity etc) can be resumed almost immediately. You will need a week to 10 days off work depending on the nature of your job.
There will inevitably be some discomfort after the operation and you will be offered a pack of pain killing medications to take home. The discomfort should improve day by day and painkillers should only be needed for a few days at most. The stitches are dissolving ones and will fall out a couple of weeks after the operation. The wound will have a dressing on it after the operation and you will be given some spare dressings to take home so that you can change it if it becomes soiled or after washing.
Possible problems.
For most people the operation and post-operative recovery are uneventful but there can occasionally be problems related to the wounds, mainly infection or bleeding under the skin.
The discomfort should improve day by day. If it begins to worsen, particularly if the skin adjacent to the wound is red, this may indicate an infection and you should contact either Chatsworth Suite or your GP.
There may be a little swelling or bruising associated with the incision and is nothing to worry about. However if the swelling becomes very large or painful this may indicate a collection of blood (a haematoma) in the scrotum and if this happens you will need to contact Chatsworth Suite.
Follow up.
You will have an appointment to come back to see Mr James around about 6 weeks after the operation. He will check the wound and make arrangements for you to provide a specimen of ejaculate to be examined under the microscope to check for the presence of sperm. Mr James will then write to you with the result.
Further Information: -
Success rates
Alternatives to vasectomy reversal
Timing of Surgery
Cost
FAQ
