March 14, 2008, Newsletter Issue #70: Risks and Complication of Vasectomy Reversal

Tip of the Week

As with any surgical procedure there are both risks and benefits. In a vasectomy reversal, the desired benefit is renewed fertility, and this procedure has a greater than 80 percent success rate.

In terms of risks associated with the procedure, they include:

bleeding and bruising - a common side effect of surgery due to cutting of the skin and manipulation of the tissuesswelling and pain - a common side effect of surgery, which can be managed with ice and over-the-counter analgesicsinfection at the surgical site - treatment with antibiotics will manage thisrisk for failure to re-establish fertility - this occurs less than 20 percent of the time and may be related to other factors, such as low sperm countsperm granuloma - a small lump that forms in the teste in response to sperm leakage during the procedure which does not need treatment unless it causes painallergic reaction to anesthesia - treated with anti-histamines, remember to add the anesthetic to your list of allergiesdecline in sperm count - may be related to scarring or interruption of blood flowlong term testicular pain - this is rare and can be treatedtesticular atrophy - a rare complication associated with disruption of the blood flow to the testes related to the surgerysexual difficulties - these are usually emotional, rather than physical and can be related to the new stress of trying to conceiveIt is important to discuss the risks and benefits with your Urologist, physician or Fertility Specialist prior to attempting a vasectomy reversal, to ensure that you are fully informed and prepared for the procedure, physically and emotionally.

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