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Vasectomy Reversal

"Our goal is simple:
to help you become a Dad again"

As many as 6% of the half million men a year who undergo vasectomy, will opt to reverse a vasectomy in their lifetime, however there exist only a handful of specialists in all of the United States that can perform the procedure with excellent results. Fortunately in Austin, TX, our patients can choose from either of our three vasectomy reversal, Austin and Round Rock, TX locations for convenient evaluation and treatment.  Our Austin vasectomy reversal clinics are headed by Dr. Parviz Kavoussi, premier vasectomy reversal expert with an overall 90%+ success rate. Dr. Kavoussi is the only fellowship-trained experts in Reproductive Urology and reversing vasectomies in the Austin area. Following his residency in urology, Dr. Kavoussi spent additionally time training at high volume vasectomy reversal center where he performed a large number of vasectomy reversals. It has been shown that such experience is the key to success for the very precise vasectomy reversal procedure.

In addition, Dr. Kavoussi is also credentialed by RAMSES (Robot Assisted Microsurgical and Endoscopic Society) in robot assisted vasectomy reversals. As preeminent specialists, both physicians have authored research papers and textbook chapters on vasectomy reversals. Additionally, Dr. Kavoussi is often seen on and interviewed by CBS, NBC, ABC and Fox News. All patients can expect to be personally seen and treated by Dr. Kavoussi at any of our Austin area vasectomy reversal clinics.

Schedule a Private Consultation with our Vasectomy Reversal Austin, TX specialist today!  Call (512) 444-1414 or request an appointment online.

Frequently asked questions:

What is a vasectomy reversal?

A vasectomy is a minor procedure where the vas deferens, the tube that carries sperm from the testicle to the semen, is divided and blocked to not allow sperm to reach the semen for contraception.  A vasectomy reversal reconnects the two ends of the divided vas deferens to allow sperm to return to the semen and restore a man’s fertility.

What surgical techniques does Dr. Kavoussi offer for vasectomy reversal?

Our vasectomy reversal Texas patients (and from beyond) are offered either a mini-incision microsurgical technique or a da Vinci robot assisted technique.  The microsurgical technique utilizes an operative microscope above the patient’s body which magnifies the structures being operated on.  The robotic technique utilizes the cutting edge technology of the robotic system providing high definition, 3-D visualization for the surgeon with robotic microscopic instruments which are controlled by the surgeon in the console.  Vasectomy reversals are performed as day surgery with the patient going home the same day.  Robot assisted vasectomy reversals are performed at the hospital operating room and microsurgical vasectomy reversals are performed at the outpatient surgery center.

What kind of anesthesia is used for a vasectomy reversal?

Our Robotic Vasectomy Reversal

It is preferred to perform vasectomy reversal under general anesthesia, mainly to ensure that the patient is completely still during this fine, meticulous procedure.  The hole that is reconnected in the vas deferens for sperm to flow through is no larger than the period at the end of this sentence and the sutures used to reconnect the ends are smaller in diameter than an eyelash.

How common is vasectomy reversal?

Approximately, half a million men in the United States undergo vasectomy, and about 6% percent will choose to have their vasectomy reversed sometime in their lifetime.

How big is the incision made for vasectomy reversal?

In most cases, the scrotal incision Dr. Kavoussi makes to performs vasectomy reversal is much the same size as the one made for the vasectomy, regardless of if it is performed microsurgically or with robot assistance. Both sides can be reversed through one incision.

What is the recovery from vasectomy reversal like?

The recovery is generally very similar to that of the vasectomy.  Some soreness and swelling should be expected.  Most men are back to their normal routine within a week following vasectomy reversal.  It is highly recommended to avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activity for the first 2 weeks after vasectomy reversal.

What is a vasoepididymostomy or the more complex type of vasectomy reversal?

When men have a vasectomy reversal 15 years or greater after a vasectomy, there is higher chance of having to undergo vaso-epididymostomy. This complex microsurgical reconstruction connects the upper (abdominal) end of the vas deferens to a microscopic epididymal tubule (in the structure between the testicle and the vas deferens where sperm mature and learn how to swim), instead of simply connecting one end of the vas deferens to the other, which is typically the case in vasectomy reversals. The decision regarding which reconstruction to perform is made during surgery based on a number of intraoperative findings. A very high level of specialized microsurgical expertise is required to perform a vasoepididymostomy with success rates that are deemed acceptable.

What are success rates for vasectomy reversal based on and what are the success rates?

Vasectomy reversal success rates are based on the experience of the surgeon and the time since the vasectomy was performed.  Below are the vasectomy reversal success rates by Dr. Kavoussi.  Success is considered patency, which means having sperm return back in the semen after vasectomy reversal, indicating that the connection is open.  These success rates include men who had vasovasostomy performed (connecting one end of the vas deferens to the other) and those that underwent the more complex epididymal tubule to vas deferens connection (vasoepdidymostomy) as a first attempt at vasectomy reversal.

Time Since Vasectomy

1-8 years

9-14 years

≥15 years

Success Rate

97%

95%

75%

 

What should I be prepared for prior to my vasectomy reversal?

  • Be prepared to have a driver bring you to and from the procedure.  You will not be allowed to drive after the procedure.  Using an ice pack on and off the scrotum for 20 minutes at a time for 1-2 days after the procedure will help minimize discomfort and swelling.
  • Immediately after the vasectomy reversal, snug fitting undershorts will be placed on you.  After that, it is advised to wear snug-fitting underwear for the next 2 weeks.
  • You should not get in a bath tub or pool for three to four weeks following the vasectomy reversal, but may shower the day after the vasectomy reversal.
  • Although after the procedure you can feel and see the suture in the skin incision, your body will dissolve is on its own, and it does not require removal.
  • You will be asked to not lift anything heavier than 10 pounds or to do any strenuous activity for the first 2 weeks following the vasectomy reversal.
  • You will be asked to not ejaculate for the first 3 weeks following the vasectomy reversal.
  • You will be given a prescription for a narcotic pain medicine in case you need it after the vasectomy reversal.  If you need to use it, do not drive or operate heavy machinery while on this medication.

If I have any questions or concerns, what should I do?

Call us at (512)444-1414 ext. 2.

Are there any vasectomies that cannot be reversed?

Almost all vasectomies can be reversed.  When the vasectomy was performed at the same time as another surgery in the groin such as a hernia repair, it may be more difficult to perform a vasectomy reversal.  Very rarely, reconnecting the two ends of the vas deferens is not possible, due to a very long segment of vas deferens being removed at the time of vasectomy.

How will I know if the vasectomy reversal was successful?

A semen analysis will be obtained 6 weeks following the vasectomy reversal and the results will be reviewed with you.

How long can it take to see sperm return to the semen?

In the cases where vasovasostomy can be performed (vas deferens connection to vas deferens) it can take up to 6 months to see sperm return to semen, however; in the majority of Dr. Kavoussi’s patients, there is sperm in the initial semen analysis at 6 weeks following vasectomy reversal.  In those men who require a vasoepididymostomy (vas deferens to epididymis connection) it can take up to a year to see sperm return to the semen, but frequently it is seen earlier.

Is a man’s age a factor in achieving a pregnancy after vasectomy reversal?

Typically men fair pretty well with sperm production as they age, so a man’s age is unlikely to have a significant impact on the success of a vasectomy reversal.

How soon do couples achieve a pregnancy after the vasectomy is reversed?

The average time to pregnancy after a vasectomy reversal is one year, although it takes much less time in some couples and occasionally longer in others depending on other fertility factors.

What are patients saying about their experience with vasectomy reversal at Austin Center for Men’s Health?

 

Schedule a Private Consultation with in one of our two Vasectomy Reversal Austin offices today!  Call (512) 444-1414 or request an appointment online.

 

 

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