$Unique_ID{BRK01501}
$Pretitle{Genitourinary System}
$Title{Is Reversing a Vasectomy Impossible?}
$Subject{vasectomy reversal surgery}
$Volume{J-15}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991   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.
ÿ
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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.
