Pre-and Post-Operative Instructions


Logistics
On the day of surgery, the balance ($2300) is due before the procedure.  You may pay this with cash, money order, cashier's check (made out to Midwest Vasectomy Reversals) or credit card (Visa, MasterCard).   There is an additional $75 fee for the use of credit card due to the processing cost charged to us when patients use credit.

The morning of the procedure you will have a brief consultation with the doctor to go over any last minute questions and sign consent forms.  At this time we will offer you a mild sedative.  This will help relax you for the surgery.  If you choose to use this, you should not drive for 6 hours.

During the procedure, we expect you to be very comfortable, but as the procedure can last up to 4 hours, you may want to consider bringing something to do to pass the time such as podcasts, books, etc.  You can bring a cell phone into the procedure to text your partner to let her know that you are doing well.


Pre-operative instructions
  • Do not take any aspirin or ibuprofen containing medicines for at least one week prior to your procedure.  These can increase the risks of bleeding during the procedure.  If you have need for pain medicine, please use Tylenol. 
  • You should take all your regular medicines (except any blood thinners) the morning of the procedure with a sip of water.
  • Shave the entire pubic region the night before surgery.  This includes all hair from one inch above the penis to under the scrotum.   Please then wash with an antibacterial soap (Dial, for instance), and repeat this wash in the morning before the procedure.  
  • The morning of the procedure, you may have a light breakfast, but limit your fluids.  If you have an afternoon procedure, have a normal breakfast and a very light lunch.  The procedure can take up to 4 hours, and there will NOT be opportunity to use the restroom once the procedure starts.
  • Bring tight fitting underwear (briefs, not boxers) or a jock strap to wear home from the procedure.  


Post-operative Instructions
  • You should expect a moderate amount of discomfort on the day of the procedure.  This will decrease over the next few days.  The discomfort is often similar to the pain after the vasectomy.   Typically over the counter medicines are sufficient, but we will prescribe a stronger pain medicine for you.
  • You will need to fill the antibiotic prescription as soon as the procedure is over.  This is inexpensive.  There is a Walgreen's pharmacy immediately across the street from our office.
  • In addition to the pain medicines prescribed the day of the procedure, you should bring some ibuprofen to take immediately after the procedure.  You should continue to use 600mg of Ibuprofen every 6 hours for the first few days.  This is OK to take WITH the prescribed pain medicine.
  • Expect bruising and some modest swelling of the scrotum.  This bruising can go up the shaft of the penis as well.  This is normal.  
  • If you get a fever, severe pain, severe abdominal pain or other worrisome symptoms, please call Dr. Sommers directly.  We will give you that contact information on the day of your surgery.
  • You can shower immediately after the procedure.  Please do not take a bath for one week.
  • The sutures placed will dissolve on their own.  If they start to unravel, you make take a clean fingernail clipper and clip it close to the skin.  It is very common for the wounds to ooze some blood for two to three days after the procedure.  Less commonly it may last up to a week.  The gauze is to keep your underwear clean.   You do not need to use sterile dressings over the wounds.
  • It is possible for the wounds to open slightly after a few days.  There can be some painless oozing from this opening.  This is not concerning.  You should just keep a piece of toilet paper or clean gauze over the wound to keep your underwear clean.  If significant redness or pain develops, that is not expected and you should alert Dr. Sommers.
  • This repair is with very fine suture.  To let the repaired vas heal, it is very important to limit activities which would traumatize the testicle.  This includes vigorous exercise and heavy lifting (anything over 15 lbs).  This should be restricted for 4 weeks.  Sexual activity should be restricted for two weeks.   It is particularly important to limit your activity in the 36 hours immediately following surgery.  If you have a job which requires limited physical activity, you may return to work after 7 days.  If you have a job that requires activities which would put your reversal at risk, please ask for a note for work to limit you to light duty.