Is this LOW COST vasectomy reversal the same surgery that other providers are offering? Yes - we perform a vasovasostomy (reconnecting the ends of the vas which was blocked during the vasectomy) under a high power microscope.
How Much is the deposit? The deposit is $500 due at the time of booking. The deposit is fully refundable and the appointment can be changed without charge up until 3 weeks before the procedure. Once we are three weeks away from the surgery date, the deposit is locked in an cannot be refunded or applied to another appointment.
Can this procedure really be safe and comfortable under local anesthesia? While general anesthesia is easier on the surgeon, it adds risks, discomfort and cost for the patient which I believe is unnecessary. As I had this procedure done myself in this exact way, I can attest to the fact that it's safe and comfortable.
Can I still get a vasectomy reversal even if we had our vasectomy more than 10 years ago? While rates of success of a reversal go down the longer since you had your vasectomy, there is not an upper time limit for when a vasovasostomy would be successful. There are case reports of people 30 years from vasectomy having a successful vasovasostomy. Please read our reviews to see stories of men more than 20 years out who have fathered children.
Is sterilization reversal and vasectomy reversal the same thing? Yes, sterilization reversal and vasectomy reversal refer to the same procedure for men.
How do I schedule a procedure? Please use our Scheduling page to see our upcoming appointments and instructions for making a deposit and filling out our health history form. You can call the office or email us if you have other questions.
How long does the procedure last? Typically the procedure lasts between 1.5 to 2 hours. This depends a lot on how the vasectomy was performed.
How long do I need to stay in town? For our out-of-town patients, coming in the night before makes sense unless you live within an hour or so drive. Travel home the afternoon of the procedure is reasonable, but keep in mind you will not be able to drive a car if taking pain medicine, and you should not be lifting a heavy suitcase.
How are there no needles? For most men, the natural distaste for needles is intensified when discussing getting a shot in the scrotum. The memory of the discomfort at the time of their vasectomy may be intense. While we can not make the procedure completely pain-free, there is a remarkable tool we use to get anesthesia into the skin and the scrotal structures without the use of a needle. It's called the Madajet, and a controlled spray from it pushes anesthetic into the tissues without a needle. The sensation is described as having a rubber band snap against the skin, but the discomfort is over almost instantly. This typically gives patient near instantaneous anesthesia as well, rendering both the skin and the vas completely numb. Nearly all patients say this was less painful than the vasectomy.
What is the recovery like? Most patients who have outpatient vasectomy reversal walk out of the operating room with no difficulty. The effects of the local anesthesia lasts for some time afterwards, and the next few days are spent taking it easy around the home. The first night will be the worst in terms of discomfort. Most patients require nothing stronger than ibuprofen and Tylenol for their discomfort, although we will prescribe a pain medicine for you to use at your discretion. There will be painless but extensive bruising which will likely extend to areas which weren't operated on. It is important to limit lifting of greater than 15 lbs for 3 weeks after surgery. This protects the delicate repair from injury and preventing a "redo" procedure. We can write you a note for light duty at work if that is needed.
What is the success rate? Success rates in the largest study done of vasectomy reversals showed a clear change in success rate the longer the duration between vasectomy and reversal. Rates of patency (return of sperm to the semen) and pregnancy varied depending on the interval from the vasectomy until its reversal. If the interval had been less than 3 years patency was 97% and pregnancy 76%, 3 to 8 years 88% and 53%, 9 to 14 years 79% and 44% and 15 years or more 71% and 30%. The patency and pregnancy rates were statistically the same for all patients regardless of the surgeon.
Is this procedure guaranteed? Due to the nature of the procedure, there is no way to offer a guarantee. There are too many issues out of the surgeon's control such as age since vasectomy, fertility of the spouse, etc. We do offer to redo the procedure at a reduced cost if there are no sperm or few sperm seen at the time of semen analysis within the first year.
What are the risks of surgery? Risk of vasectomy reversal surgery are similar to that of vasectomy. Bruising and swelling should be expected. Pain is usually very tolerable. A collection of blood (hematoma) may form in the scrotum which rarely needs to be drained. Published risks of infection (one in 200) and testicular shrinking or loss (one in one thousand) attest to the relative safety of the procedure.
Can I have a consult before the surgery? Is a consult required? Dr. Sommers is willing to do an in-person consultation for patients before scheduling a surgery date if desired. THIS IS NOT REQUIRED. We use the health history form to make sure there won't be any problems with anatomy on the day of surgery, and as long as your vasectomy was done in an office under local anesthesia, there shouldn't be any problems with the reversal. The cost of a consultation is $200 which is applied to your deposit if you choose to book an appointment. Consultations are typically available at 11:30 pm on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Midwest Vasectomy Reversals 6744 Clayton Road, Suite 304 St. Louis, MO 63117 636-492-1323