Vasectomy reversals are performed on men who wish to regain their fertility after they have had their vas deferens divided as a contraceptive measure. This surgery may be performed in one of two ways. The first option is the re-joining of the cut ends. This is known as vasovasostomy. The other is the joining of the cut end of the vas directly to the epididymis also known as vasoepididymostomy. These two procedures are fairly new which means that success is difficult to predict.
Despite popularity of vasectomy as a contraceptive method, a few people opt for reversal. This may be linked to wanting to have children with a new partner probably after having divorced or due to death of a previous one. A couple may also wish to replace the loss of treasured child. In a few cases, reversals are carried out to relieve the pain associated with the cutting the tubes.
The cutting of the deferens as a contraceptive method disrupts the anatomical route used by the sperm as they leave the male genital tract. Normally, the sperms are manufactured in the testes and they migrate into a region known as the epididymis where they mature and are stored. During sexual intercourse the sperms are released and they enter the female genital tract. Cutting the vas deferens interferes with this flow.
Prior to the surgery, the patient is anesthetized to cut down on patient movement or interruption during the procedure. The scrotum is then cleansed by scrubbing it with cleaning solution. A small incision about one to two centimeters is made on both sides of the proximal part of the scrotum to expose the vas deferens.
There is a new technique used in this procedure known as microsurgical reversal. This procedure has markedly improved the outcomes associated with the surgery. A highly specialized piece of equipment known as the operating microscope is used. Using this equipment, the attending surgeon is able to visualize the surgical field at great magnifications and resolutions. Up to 50 times magnification can be achieved.
The epididymis is a fairly weak region in the female genital tract. It is for this region a great challenge to the operating surgeon. The biggest cause of problems here is an excessive back pressure that may result in extravasation of semen into the surrounding tissues. This may in turn cause very serious complications. In view of these, there is need for great surgical skills. When a blockage occurs, there may be a need to create a bypass that will help transport the sperm to the urethra.
When the epididymis is cut, the separated ends do not usually have the same diameters. The implications of this during reversal later on are huge and are a major challenge for the attending surgeon. To accurately re-join the two ends is not easy for the inexperienced. As a result, leakages and by extension, infertility is common. Scarring is another related problem that should be anticipated.
The measure of success of this operation is based on achievement of pregnancy. Failure may be attributed to formation of scar tissue at the site of vas deferens reconnection causing blockage. This can be taken care of by use of anti inflammatory drugs or a repeat of the surgery, depending on the circumstances. Rare complications of vasectomy reversals include infection and bleeding.
Despite popularity of vasectomy as a contraceptive method, a few people opt for reversal. This may be linked to wanting to have children with a new partner probably after having divorced or due to death of a previous one. A couple may also wish to replace the loss of treasured child. In a few cases, reversals are carried out to relieve the pain associated with the cutting the tubes.
The cutting of the deferens as a contraceptive method disrupts the anatomical route used by the sperm as they leave the male genital tract. Normally, the sperms are manufactured in the testes and they migrate into a region known as the epididymis where they mature and are stored. During sexual intercourse the sperms are released and they enter the female genital tract. Cutting the vas deferens interferes with this flow.
Prior to the surgery, the patient is anesthetized to cut down on patient movement or interruption during the procedure. The scrotum is then cleansed by scrubbing it with cleaning solution. A small incision about one to two centimeters is made on both sides of the proximal part of the scrotum to expose the vas deferens.
There is a new technique used in this procedure known as microsurgical reversal. This procedure has markedly improved the outcomes associated with the surgery. A highly specialized piece of equipment known as the operating microscope is used. Using this equipment, the attending surgeon is able to visualize the surgical field at great magnifications and resolutions. Up to 50 times magnification can be achieved.
The epididymis is a fairly weak region in the female genital tract. It is for this region a great challenge to the operating surgeon. The biggest cause of problems here is an excessive back pressure that may result in extravasation of semen into the surrounding tissues. This may in turn cause very serious complications. In view of these, there is need for great surgical skills. When a blockage occurs, there may be a need to create a bypass that will help transport the sperm to the urethra.
When the epididymis is cut, the separated ends do not usually have the same diameters. The implications of this during reversal later on are huge and are a major challenge for the attending surgeon. To accurately re-join the two ends is not easy for the inexperienced. As a result, leakages and by extension, infertility is common. Scarring is another related problem that should be anticipated.
The measure of success of this operation is based on achievement of pregnancy. Failure may be attributed to formation of scar tissue at the site of vas deferens reconnection causing blockage. This can be taken care of by use of anti inflammatory drugs or a repeat of the surgery, depending on the circumstances. Rare complications of vasectomy reversals include infection and bleeding.
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