Reclaim Your Fertility with Vasectomy Reversal Surgery

Urological expert Dr. Larry Lipshultz can perform a vasectomy reversal surgery to restore your fertility. At our Houston, TX, practice, we pride ourselves on helping our patients regain their confidence and sense of self. We would be honored to help if you are looking to undo the effects of a previous treatment. To find out more about your male fertility treatment options, contact the practice of Larry Lipshultz, M.D., today to schedule a consultation.

Vasectomy Reversal Procedures: Vasovasostomy

The most common technique for vasectomy reversal is the microsurgical vasovasostomy. During this procedure, Dr. Lipshultz will create a small incision through your scrotum so that he can access the underlying tissue. He will then reconnect the remaining portions of your vas deferens using microscopic sutures to ensure that these tubes are intact. To qualify for this simple and minimally invasive procedure, you must have fluid and sperm still present in your vas deferens at the time of your surgery. A microsurgical vasovasostomy can be performed on one or both testicles. The bilateral version of this procedure has a 95 percent success rate.

Vasectomy Reversal Procedures: Epididymovasostomy

For patients who during surgery are not found to have sperm and fluid in their vas deferens, and therefore are not good candidates for microsurgical vasovasostomy, Dr. Lipshultz can perform an epididymovasostomy. A lack of sperm and fluid in your vas deferens indicates that another portion of your vas deferens or testicular tissue is blocked. During an epididymovasostomy, Dr. Lipshultz will connect your severed vas deferens directly to your epididymis, a testicular duct that transmits sperm from the testis to the vas.

As with microsurgical vasovasostomy, this procedure can be performed unilaterally or bilaterally. When both testes require an epididymovasostomy, patients typically experience a 50 to 60 percent success rate. This is due to the fact that the epididymis is much smaller than the vas deferens and, therefore, more difficult to modify (although Dr. Lipshultz will use an operating microscope to better access and correct your blockage). Since the epididymovasostomy has a lower success rate than microsurgical vasovasostomy, Dr. Lipshultz often recommends that patients undergoing this procedure freeze their sperm in case the reversal is not as effective as planned.

As with microsurgical vasovasostomy, this procedure can be performed unilaterally or bilaterally. When both testes are adjusted, patients typically experience a 50 to 60 percent success rate. This is due to the fact that that epididymis is much smaller than the vast deferens and therefore more difficult to modify (although Dr. Lipshultz will use an operating microscope to better assess and adjust your tissue). Since the epididymovasostomy has a lower success rate than microsurgical vasovasostomy, Dr. Lipshultz often recommends that patients undergoing this procedure freeze their sperm in case the reversal is ineffective.

Achieve Your Family Goals with Vasectomy Reversal Surgery

At our urology practice, we understand that your reproductive needs and preferences may change over time. If you have undergone a vasectomy, Dr. Lipshultz can use advanced surgical techniques to reverse this procedure and return your fertility. Contact our practice today to learn more about vasectomy reversal surgery. We are here to help.