We have spent a considerable amount of time on this blog addressing various side effects and potential complications related to vasectomy reversal surgery. We feel that it's important to discuss both the benefits as well as the risks of any kind of surgery in detail since this allows patients to make the most well-informed decisions possible. A good urologist/men's health specialist will ensure you receive all the important information that you need when it comes to pre-op prep and post-op recovery.

One serious complication we've briefly noted in the past is a hematoma. Let's take a few moments right now to consider these kinds of complications and why they must be taken seriously.

What is a hematoma?

A scrotal hematoma (also known as a hemoscrotum) refers to the substantial accumulation of blood within the scrotum following trauma to the genital and groin region or as a side effect to surgery, such as a vasectomy or a vasectomy reversal.

Signs and Symptoms of Hematoma

The most common signs of scrotal hematoma following a vasectomy reversal include the following:

• Swelling
• Discomfort
• Discoloration

Interestingly, the above signs and symptoms of a scrotal hematoma are also common side effects that patients naturally experience after vasectomy reversal. It's important to keep this in mind yet to remain cautious with regard to your health and wellness as you recover from surgery.

How common is a hematoma after vasectomy reversal?

Thankfully scrotal hematomas are somewhat rare and are relative easy to address and treat. Vasectomy reversal is a generally safe and complication-free procedure for many patients, and special care is taken to minimize any kinds of post-surgical risks. It's important that patients remain attentive to any undue discomfort or swelling that seems especially excessive as they heal.

Treating a Hematoma Following Vasectomy Reversal

Treatment for a hematoma following vasectomy reversal may not be necessary if there is just a limited amount of bleeding and blood accumulation. Should the issue be more serious, surgical drainage is performed in order to remove the blood and improve the overall health and wellness of the patient in the process.

Tips for Preventing a Hematoma After Surgery

The best way for patients to prevent a scrotal hematoma from occurring is to follow their surgeon's pre-op and post-op instructions to the letter. While the healing experience for each patient is different, these surgical instructions help ensure ideal conditions for recovery and optimal rest time.

Keep In Touch with Your Urologist as You Recover

As you heal from surgery, you will visit our practice for follow-up care. Do not hesitate to contact our team in between visits or before visits should any concerns arise about your recovery. Undue pain or swelling could be the sign of a hematoma or another sort of complication, and early detection of issues allows for quick treatment.

Learn More About Various Men's Health Topics

If you would like to learn more about vasectomy reversal and how various complications can be dealt with and prevented, be sure to contact our Houston urology and men's health medical center today. The entire team here looks forward to meeting you in person and helping you make the best choices about various men's health concerns.