Some men who have undergone a vasectomy wish to have it reversed through a vasectomy reversal. In some cases, men have a vasectomy too early in their life and want to have more children later in life. For whatever reason, there are many men who wish to have a vasectomy reversal. The vasectomy reversal is risky and can be costly. Since insurance companies do not cover this surgery, and since it is an elective surgery, it is all out of pocket. The cost usually runs between $5000 and $15,000 depending on the candidate.
During a vasectomy, the doctor cuts the ends of the vas deferens. By cutting these, the sperm are not able to be extracted through ejaculation. In the vasectomy reversal, the doctor goes in and attempts to reconnect the ends of the vas deferens back together. The success rates are high, but there may still be complications. The risks include infection, the surgery not working, sperm granuloma and hematoma.
Infection
As with any surgery, there is always the risk of developing an infection. Infections develop by bacterial cross contamination, surgical equipment contamination and contamination of the surgical area. By taking the proper precautions, these risks are minimal. If an infection does develop, it is important to talk to your doctor to get the proper treatment. In many cases where infection does develop, antibiotics will be prescribed to take care of the infection. To reduce the risk of developing an infection, make sure that the incision site is kept clean and dry.
Sperm Granuloma
A sperm granuloma is a collection of sperm that leaks from the vas deferens. These are generally harmless and do not need any treatment. They can, however, cause swelling in the testes and pain. In the more severe cases, pain relievers are recommended. In the most severe cases, the granuloma may need to be removed.
Hematoma
A hematoma is a collection of blood outside of the blood vessels, or a bruise. Bruising is common after any surgery and will usually disappear within a few days. To reduce the risk of bruising and swelling, ice packs can be applied to the area.
Inability to Reconnect the Vas Deferens
When the vasectomy is performed, it is meant to be a permanent form of birth control and the ends of the vas deferens are cut to prevent sperm from being ejaculated. In the vasectomy reversal, the doctor attempts to reconnect the vas deferens. Depending on how they have been cut, the reconnection can be difficult and even unsuccessful. This will depend on how the patient's vasectomy was performed and the scar tissue that has developed. Your doctor should be able to tell if you are a good candidate for a vasectomy reversal.
The risks of a vasectomy reversal are minimal if the proper precautions are taken. To reduce these risks, make sure your doctor is board certified and the surgical center is clean and follows all guidelines.
