Vasectomy Reversal
Vasectomy reversal (Snip Reversals or Reversal of Male Sterilisation) is the operation to identify the cut ends of the vas (which has a minute diameter of 0.2mm – 0.4 mm) that carries sperms from Testis to the penis and reconnect them to transport the sperms again. A surgeon reconnects each tube (vas deferens) that carries sperm from a testicle into the semen during the procedure. After a successful vasectomy reversal, sperm are again present in the semen, and you may be able to get your partner pregnant
The main principles of this operation include the following
Achieve the best possible alignment of the minute openings (lumens) of both cuts ends that could be of different diameters
Connect them in a leak-proof manner as leakage can cause blockage of the connection
Preserve the blood supply to the vas throughout the procedure as careless handling may compromise the blood supply and cause scarring & blockage.
If there is blockage upstream at the level of the epididymis, then a procedure of connecting the vas to the epididymis (Vaso-Epididymostomy) will be needed.
A reversal service cannot be a complete service if the surgeon does not diagnose the blockage and perform this procedure. Simply connecting the vas end to the other end will not work in this situation.
It is essential to consider that if you had your vasectomy less than ten years ago, success rates in your being able to produce sperm in your ejaculate again are 95% or higher after a vasectomy reversal. If your vasectomy was more than 15 years ago, the success rate is lower.