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Vasectomy Reversal Complications & Risks
Vasectomy reversal complications and risks explained. Answers to your questions: Is there pain after a vasectomy reversal and what can I expect during recovery.
Although vasectomy reversal complications are uncommon, it’s important to be aware of possible vasectomy reversal risks.
You may be wondering how to manage any discomfort or pain after a vasectomy reversal or how long the recovery period is. Below are some general guidelines and possible vasectomy reversal risks. Be sure to discuss any possible concerns you might have with your doctor.
What are the possible vasectomy reversal complications?
Any surgery carries some degree of risk, but a vasectomy reversal (vasovasostomy) is a comparatively low-risk procedure and reversal complications are uncommon. Before your surgery, have your physician go over any possible vasectomy reversal risks with you.
It is important to note that reversals carry a somewhat greater risk of complications than do vasectomy procedures. That is because reversal procedures take much longer and longer operating times usually lead to more bleeding and risk of infection. Fortunately, in the case of reversals, there is better exposure than with a vasectomy. This better exposure allows for better control of bleeding.
What are some vasectomy reversal risks?
Allergic reaction: Some men experience itching skin and hives. Although rare, this is usually a reaction to the local anesthetic.
Anti-sperm antibodies: These are proteins that can inhibit the function and movement of sperm. Although this affects the chance of pregnancy, anti-sperm antibodies will not cause physical harm to the body.
Bleeding: Painless bleeding may occur following a vasectomy reversal and collect under the skin, so that the penis and scrotum appear bruised and/or swollen. The scrotum skin is very thin, which may make bruising appear more serious than it actually is, but is a normal reaction after a vasovasostomy.
Body ache: During vasectomy reversal recovery, one of the more common vasectomy reversal complications is body aches and pains. This is a normal potential reaction to anesthesia and surgery.
Constipation: A common possible response to anesthesia and the use of narcotics after the procedure.
Decline in sperm count: When followed for two years after a reversal, approximately 10 percent of men experience lowered sperm counts. This may be caused by scar tissue formation due to sperm leakage at the surgical site or from blood supply disruption. In some cases, the sperm count can go to zero. This is one of the more unpredictable vasectomy reversal complications.
Failure: Before advances in microsurgery, reversals were frequently unsuccessful, but this is not the case any more. Recent studies indicate that sperm appears present in 85 to 97 percent of men following this surgery. About half of all couples subsequently achieve pregnancy. Some men may have conditions which result in declining sperm production. These conditions include: varicocele (enlarged veins in the scrotum), an interval infection, injury or toxic exposure, or a hormone imbalance. Consequently, despite a technically excellent reconnection and a successful vasectomy reversal recovery, a man may have poor sperm production and be unsuccessful with natural conception. These situations are very difficult to reliably identify prior to surgery or during surgery. In these cases, artificial insemination may be the key to achieving pregnancy.
Headache: During vasectomy reversal recovery, it is possible to experience headaches as a response to anesthesia and surgery.
Hematoma: Bleeding inside the scrotum can result in painful swelling following a vasectomy reversal. While seldom serious, it should be reported to a physician. A prolonged vasectomy reversal recovery may be the result, but the condition usually resolves without additional drainage procedures. Many vasectomy reversal complications can be avoided when you follow post-operative recommendations. Resuming activity too soon is the leading cause for a hematoma.
Infection: If blood collects under the skin after surgery, it can become infected and cause inflammation and increase pain after a vasectomy reversal. Infection of the incision site or deeper tissue occurs in less than 5 percent of all cases. These infections respond favorably to antibiotic treatment, antimicrobial creams and/or hot baths, usually within a week.
Long-term testicular pain: Although a certain degree of pain after vasectomy reversal can be expected, postoperative testicular pain lasting longer than three months is considered long-term pain. Persistent testicular discomfort is rare.
Nausea: A common reaction to anesthesia and surgery.
Postoperative pain and swelling: Some degree of scrotal pain or ache is normal during a vasectomy reversal recovery. Post operative use of acetaminophen (Tylenol®) with or without codeine or Vicodin is usually recommended. Alternatives include Aspirin or ibuprofen, but these must be approved by the doctor as they can cause bleeding after surgery. Ibuprofen can, though, speed up recovery time and diminish swelling and soreness. Significant discomfort usually disappears within a couple of days, while a mild to moderate ache may remain a few days longer. Your doctor will recommend ice packs intermittently for the first postoperative day. A scrotal support may be used for up to a month after surgery. Strenuous activity is frequently postponed for up to four weeks.
Testicular atrophy: Although rare, an injury to the blood supply of the testicle may result in permanent damage to that testicle resulting in scarring and fibrosis and diminished sperm and testosterone production (atrophy). In most cases, the hormone and sperm production from the uninjured testicle is sufficient.
Prostate and testicular cancer: Vasectomy reversal complications do not include an increased risk of testicular or prostate cancer. However, physicians agree that men over the age of 50 should have regular prostate examinations and PSA blood testing.
Sexual difficulties: After vasectomy reversal recovery, men sometimes have sexual problems. These usually have an emotional basis and can be due to the emotional stress of a couple striving to achieve pregnancy. Counseling can be helpful.
In Summary:
- Any surgical procedure carries some risk.
- Reversal surgery is generally considered low-risk, and vasectomy reversal complications are rare.
- Some discomfort and pain after vasectomy reversal can be expected. This normally decreases and disappears within days, when proper postoperative care is followed.
- It's important to review possible vasectomy reversal risks and complications with your physician.
- During vasectomy reversal recovery, unusual pain, swelling or fever should be reported to your doctor immediately.
Description Tab: Vasectomy reversal complications and risks explained. Answers to your questions: Is there pain after a vasectomy reversal and what can I expect during recovery.
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[Last Modified: 05/13/2008]
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