RSS feedVasectomy reversal clinic
Our vasectomy reversal clinic is run by Mr David Ralph who provides training to the Royal College of Surgeons in vasectomy reversal techniques, including microsurgery for men who have had a vasectomy more than ten years before undergoing a reversal and require a more complex procedure in order to have a successful outcome.
What is a vasectomy?
A vasectomy is an operation to block, cut or seal the tubes that carry sperm from the testicles to the penis. It is chosen as a form of permanent contraception. However for many people, life circumstances change and they may wish to have children and consider vasectomy reversal.
Vasectomy reversal
Vasectomy reversal is an operation to reconnect, or unblock the tubes that carry sperm from the testicles to the penis. The type of operation you need is based on the length of time that has passed since your vasectomy and the type of vasectomy you originally had.
Standard vasectomy reversal
The procedure most often used is called vasovasostomy. This involves reconnecting the tubes, or vas deferens, which had been blocked, cut or sealed during the vasectomy. Using dissolvable stitches, the surgeon places the tubes back inside the scrotom. However, sometimes this standard procedure is not effective, because the flow of sperm is blocked, usually due to scarring from the vasectomy. This typically occurs in men who had a vasectomy more than ten years ago. If this is the case, a more complex procedure called a vasoepididymostomy can be undertaken.
Vasoepididymostomy
The vasoepididymostomy involves joining the tubes, or vas deferens, directly to the epididymis, the part of the testicle where sperm is stored. By connecting the tubes to the epididymis above the blockage, the operation is effective in restoring sperm flow. This is a complex operation performed as microsurgery. Microsurgery involves using magnification, delicate instruments and precise techniques for small organs and tubes.
The importance of our experience at Harley Street Urology
Although many surgeons perform vasectomies and vasectomy reversals, the vasoepididymostomy is only carried out by a smaller number of specialists. Our Consultant Urologist David Ralph is a nationally renowned microsurgeon who specialises in this field and trains other UK surgeons in vasoepididymostomy.
It may not be possible for the surgeon to judge which type of vasectomy you need until the operation takes place and the vas deferens are examined under microscope. Therefore it is important to choose a surgeon skilled in both types of vasectomy reversal, both standard and complex, in order to have the best outcome from surgery.
How successful is vasectomy reversal?
The effectiveness of vasectomy reversal is measured in two ways, by patency – the presence of sperm in the ejaculate – and by pregnancy.
Patency rates are dependent upon the following factors:
- Surgical technique (microsurgery is better).
- The time which has passed since the vasectomy.
- Vasal fluid quality.
- Whether there is any epidiymal obstruction (in the part of the scrotum where sperm is stored).
Pregnancy rates are dependent upon the following factors:
- Age and fertility of female partner.
- Other factors such as antisperm antibodies.
Our results
The most important factor in terms of patency and pregnancy rates is the time since vasectomy reversal. Studies also show that the technique used is less important than the skill and experience of the surgeon carrying out the procedure.
Vasectomy reversal: patency and pregnancy results shown against years since vasectomy
Vasectomy 3–8 years before reversal
- 92 per cent patency
- 62 per cent pregnancy
Vasectomy more than 10 years before reversal
- 76 per cent patency
- 37 per cent pregnancy
Find out more
▸ Harley Street Urology has specialist services for assessing and diagnosing prostate cancer.
▸ For more information about our vasectomy reversal clinic or to book an appointment, please contact us.