Robotic Vasectomy Reversal
Success rates after microsurgical vasectomy reversal can be as high as 98-99% depending on how many years it has been since the patient's previous vasectomy. The highest success rates are encountered in patients within 3 years of their vasectomy. As the time interval from the vasectomy increases, the success rate decreases slightly. We have had successes in men who are even over 17 years out from their vasectomy. In an effort to optmimize our outcomes, we now offer robotic microsurgical vasectomy reversal. We utilize the DaVinci S High definition robotic platform as our microsurgical platform. To view a step-by-step guide to the procedure - click the link below.
Some patients may have a secondary blockage in the epididymis - which is the storage container for sperm, located behind the testicle. This blockage occurs more frequently in men who are further out from their vasectomy. Thus, at the time of reversal, our team microscopically exams the fluid that comes out of the proximal vas (end of vas coming from the testicle) for sperm. If there is an epididymal blockage, there will be no sperm and thus, the distal end of the vas need to be connected directly to the epididymal tubule above the level of obstruction. This procedure can be performed robotically as well as shown at the link below.
Robotic Vasovasostomy Technique
Robotic Vasoepididymostomy
Vasectomy Reversal Predictor
We have developed an algorithm that predicts the likelihood of needing a more complex vasectomy reversal (vasoepididymostomy - VE) versus a more straight forward vasovasostomy (VV). Please feel free to use the model below to predict your likelihood on needing a VE versus a VV. To use the model - simply enter your age and the number of years from your vasectomy at this time. The graphic indicator below will illustrate whether you are more likely to need a VE or not.
This algorithm has been published & externally validated:
J Urol. 2005 May;173(5):1681-4.
J Urol. 2006 Jan;175(1):247-9.
