$Unique_ID{BRK01501}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{Is Reversing a Vasectomy Impossible?}
$Subject{vasectomy reversal surgery genitourinary system reversing prevent
unwanted pregnancy vas deferens microsurgical operation epididymis testicular
sperm vasectomies reverse surgeries preventing pregnancies contraception
contraceptions contraceptive contraceptives microsurgery operations testicle
testicles spermatozoa vasectomize}
$Volume{J-15}
$Log{
Anatomy of the Male Reproductive System*0006001.scf}

Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Is Reversing a Vasectomy Impossible?


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QUESTION:  Several years ago, at the request of my first wife, I had a
vasectomy as a means to prevent an unwanted pregnancy.  Times have changed,
however, and now my second wife expresses a deep concern for motherhood and is
encouraging me to have the operation that will permit me to father the child.
I was told originally that reversing the operation was impossible.  Can you
offer me any help or suggestions?

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ANSWER:  Your first surgery must have taken place before the development of
newer techniques, and at that time there was but a slim chance that
reconnecting the cut portions of the tube (vas deferens) that normally carries
the sperm could be accomplished successfully.  Attempts at that time resulted
in poor pregnancy rates of from 5 percent to 30 percent.  And that is easy to
understand when you consider that the operation requires constructing a
waterproof connection in a tube with an inner opening of only 0.3 mm.
However, with newer, microsurgical techniques, the chances of a successful
outcome are greatly improved resulting in the passage of sperm in more than 95
percent of the cases, and a pregnancy rate of 63 percent.  There are some
factors, however, that reduce these numbers somewhat.  The longer the time
between the original operation and its reversal (repair), the greater the
chance that some damage has occurred in the epididymis, an elongated cordlike
structure in which the sperm stored and mature.  If a secondary obstruction
has developed there, the operation to correct it is even more difficult.
After a vasectomy, antibodies to sperm develop in the individual, and these
titers may persist after the corrective operation (although they usually
disappear after a time), lowering the chances of pregnancy.  Such a condition
is often successfully treated with corticosteroids.  During the operation the
surgeon can take a sample of the sperm located in the testicular side of the
vas (tube).  If they are normal, healthy sperm with tails, there is a high
probability that your operation will bring you the outcome your wife and you
seem to desire so greatly.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.