Frequently Asked Questions About Vasectomy Reversals

1. How do I schedule an appointment?

If it has been more than 9 years since the vasectomy, you need to send an email to Dr. Wilson, otherwise, you may schedule from the contact page of the website by selecting the “Schedule” link. A no charge preoperative phone discussion is scheduled and completed prior to actually scheduling the surgery appointment. The deposit is not paid until the time the office or surgery appointment is booked.

2. How long is the schedule list?

Dr. Wilson usually schedules about two months in advance. He does not schedule more than 3 months in advance.

3. What is Dr. Wilson’s Success Rate?

Success is measured by the patency rate (percentage of patients with live sperm after surgery). Dr. Wilson’s patency success rate is 97% for patients less than 3 years from vasectomy and 91% for patients 3-8 years from vasectomy, based on semen analysis reports from his patients. Patients 9 or more years from vasectomy have a patency rate of 72%.

4. What are the pregnancy rates for Dr. Wilson’s patients?

Pregnancy rates are 81% for patients less than 3 years from vasectomy, 74% for patients 3-8 years from vasectomy and 43% for patients 9 or more years from vasectomy.

5. Does the chance of success decrease with time since vasectomy?

Yes, the biggest determinate of success, given a competent reversal, is the presence of sperm in the vas fluid at the time of operation. The further out from the vasectomy, the less likely to find sperm in the vas at reversal. The chance of finding sperm is over 90% at 2 years from vasectomy, over 80% at 10 years, about 70% at 15 years, and is 60% , 20 years from vasectomy. In the Vasovasostomy Study Group (VVSG) of over 1400 microsurgical patients, if only sperm with tails were seen, the patency rates were 90-96%. If only sperm heads with no tails were seen, patency rates were 75%. If no sperm were seen, patency rates were 60%.

By the way, THE MORE COMPLEX PROCEDURE (VASOEPIDIDYMOSTOMY) WAS PERFORMED ON ONLY 4% OF PATIENTS IN THE VVSG.

6. What are the risks of surgery?

Risks of surgery include testicle loss or atrophy (less than 1:1,ooo), mild infection (less
than 1:100) , and hematoma or blood collection (less than 1:20). Bruising and swelling are to be expected, even up to twice normal size. Pain after reversal is the same as after vasectomy in half of the patients. One fourth of the patients have more pain than after the vasectomy and one fourth have less pain after reversal than after vasectomy.

7. What is the cost?

The complete cost is $1,700. The total cost for the microscopic reversal done in the office under local anesthesia with minimal preoperative oral sedation is an all inclusive $1,700 : $500 deposit on scheduling day and then $1,200 money order, cashier’s check or cash on the day of surgery. The deposit is refunded at your request at least 2 weeks prior to the scheduled surgery. The deposit will be forfeited if changes are made within 2 weeks of surgery. Credit or debit cards and personal checks are not accepted the day of surgery. There are no other fees outside of the $1,700.

8. Does the type of vasectomy determine reversal results?

No study in the scientific literature proves that one type of vasectomy will give better or worse results. Many different types of vasectomy are performed. The techniques include use of cautery, cutting out sections, and clipping or staples, as well as many others. All of these are very common methods and will not determine results.

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