Experience truly matters. when it comes to vasectomy reversals.

I recently operated on a gentleman from Nevada who had under a vasectomy reversal by a community Urologist. Although, he had two children from a prior marriage, he had re-married and his wife does not have any children. His vasectomy was performed almost 16 years ago while he was on active duty. He underwent what appeared to be an uncomplicated vasectomy reversal with his local Urologist. After almost 1 year, he had several semen analyses completed using mail-in test kits, which continued to show zero sperm or azoospermia. The vasectomy reversal had failed.

I was honest with this couple about their expectations with redo microscopic vasectomy reversal versus considering surgical sperm retrieval (getting sperm directly from the testicle to be used with in vitro fertilization). They were concerned about the cost and the burden of IVF (hormones, egg retrieval, etc) and we really hoping to have a different outcome with surgical reconstruction. I’ve previously had a blog post on the two options for fertility after a vasectomy.

Ultimately, we did both. The patient underwent a bilateral microscopic vasoepididymostomy, one of the most technically challenging vasectomy reversals, and at the same time we performed what is called a “back-up TESE” or back-up testicular sperm extraction. This is our plan B if the vasectomy reversal does not restore sperm in the ejaculate. This sample is taken directly from the testicle at the time of vasectomy reversal, processed, sperm are isolated and then frozen in liquid nitrogen. If ever needed in the future, the couple can just proceed with thawing the sperm and using with IVF. The patient did amazing and at almost 4 weeks from his procedure is allowed to resume all of his normal activities including sexual activity.

If you are considering having children after a vasectomy, please contact us today to learn more about microscopic vasectomy reversal and what option makes the most sense for you and your partner.