My vasectomy failed. My doctor recommended another procedure with a larger incision under general anesthesia. Should I be concerned?

I had a vasectomy 6 months ago and have done 4 post sperm samples (following time lapse between samples and # of ejaculations). After the last, the doctor himself called to say there were still active sperm. He recommended another precedure with a larger incision, and this time under general anesthesia. It’s a well known hospital and experienced urologist. I already know this is fairly uncommon, but should I be concerned? If he didn’t cut the right thing, what did he cut?

Answers from doctors (1)


More About Doctor John C. McHugh, MD

Published on Jun 04, 2018

I would not be concerned. Unfortunately, it happens that sperm persists or there is early re-canalization. The larger incision and anesthesia is just a precaution to be sure that everything is correctly identified, that you are comfortable, and that if more dissection is needed, he'll be prepared. It is unusual for an experienced urologist to not identify the vas correctly as it has a definitive character on palpation.

Answered by John C. McHugh, MD (View Profile)

I would not be concerned. Unfortunately, it happens that sperm persists or there is early re-canalization. The larger incision and anesthesia is just a precaution to be sure that everything is correctly identified, that you are comfortable, and that if more dissection is needed, he'll be prepared. It is unusual for an experienced urologist to not identify the vas correctly as it has a definitive character on palpation.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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