How is a vasectomy reversal performed?
The main principle of a vasectomy reversal is to reconnect the vas to an area where sperm are identified. A small incision in the scrotal skin is made where the vasectomy was originally performed. The vas is identified and brought out through the scrotal incision. The vas on the testicular side of the vasectomy is cut at a healthy segment and the fluid coming from the cut end of the vas is tested for the presence of sperm. If sperm are identified in the vasal fluid a direct vas to vas connection (vasovasostomy) can be performed. The vas on the abdominal side of the vasectomy is then cut at a healthy segment. Using an atraumatic vas approximator to stabilize the freshly cut ends of the vas, the cut ends of the vas are reconnected with the aid of a high-powered surgical microscope to ensure surgical precision. Our practice is to perform a 2-layer reconnection using very fine 10-0 sutures on this inner “mucosal” layer and 9-0 sutures on the outer muscular layer of the vas. Following recon
