OVERVIEW
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This procedure is perfomed in the hospital. A successful result will enable a man to become fertile after previosly having the vas deferens sectioned during a vasectomy procedure. Approximately one in every 100 men who has a vasectomy in this country decides to have a reversal. Interestingly enough, in Europe the number is about 3 per 100! Dr. Mobley has extensive experience in successful vasectomy reversal procedures.

What is it like? Since the reader has undoubtedly had a vasectomy, I can tell you that the procedure from the patient’s perspective it is not unlike your original vasectomy. The extent of the operation and the recovery period is very similar. One big difference however…..the reversal takes a couple of hours and is done under general anesthesia as opposed to the vasectomy that takes about 15 minutes under local anesthesia.

How is it done? Joining the two ends of the previously cut vas deferens is very simple in principle. The idea is to find the two ends, trim off old scar tissue, and put them back together. In actual fact it is quite complicated since we are trying to put together an extremely small tube with extremely small suture material. This requires magnification and very specialized instruments.

How are the results? Dr. Mobley has had a very high success rate, and although there is some relationship between the time since the vasectomy and success of the reversal, the vast majority are in fact a success resulting in the presence of sperm in the semen a few months after the procedure is done.

What is the cost? Memorial City Hospital has a “turn-key” price, and the total including hospital, Dr. Mobley’s fee, anesthesia and assistant’s fee run around $5,500. Insurance rarely covers this type of procedure, but it is worth checking with your carrier.

What about recovery? It is best to have this done at a time when you can easily take a few days off from your routines such as work or other activities. I like my patients to go home and put ice on the surgical area for a few hours, and plan on spending a few days taking it easy. Usually work, exercise, and sexual activity can be resumed in a few days to a week or so. Keep in mind, everyone heals a little different rate, so all of this is “averages.”

I’m intersted…how can I find out more? If you are thinking about this, and would like a consultation, please call the office and set up a time. Please tell my receptionist that you are coming in to discuss vasectomy reversal, and we will be very pleased to try and help you. The number is 713-932-1819.

FAQ'S

POST OPERATIVE CARE

I encourage my patients to go home from the office, lie down, undress down to underwear and then put an ice pack on the surgical area for the next 6 to 8 hours. You will have to take if off from time to time so that the cold will not be uncomfortabe. The ice works to avoid swelling or pain. Swelling and/or pain is very uncommon, and an aspirin,Tylenol or similar medication is usually adequate. The following day more normal activities can be resumed, but I encourage men to avoid athletic or sexual activity for at least 3 to 5 days. Should you have any unexpected problems I welcome your phone calls.