What type of anesthesia is used during a vasectomy reversal?

Answers from doctors (4)


Robert D. Oates, MD, FACS

Published on Apr 26, 2019

Many kinds of anesthesia can be used. I personally use local with IV sedation. What that means is that the anesthesiologist gives the patient enough sedative medication that the patient is sleeping and comfortable throughout the case. Local anesthesia ("novocaine") is given in the area of the surgery but the sedation is the key—before the patient knows it, the surgery is over. It's a wonderful combination.

I personally do not agree with just local anesthesia as this, in my opinion, limits the ability to do surgically what might need to be done and the patient is often quite uncomfortable. I perform many redo surgeries on patients who have had their first attempt elsewhere under just local anesthesia and they tell me stories of how uncomfortable they were.

Hope this helps,

Dr. Robert Oates, Boston

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Answered by Robert D. Oates, MD, FACS

Many kinds of anesthesia can be used. I personally use local with IV sedation. What that means is that the anesthesiologist gives the patient enough sedative medication that the patient is sleeping and comfortable throughout the case. Local anesthesia ("novocaine") is given in the area of the surgery but the sedation is the key—before the patient knows it, the surgery is over. It's a wonderful combination.

I personally do not agree with just local anesthesia as this, in my opinion, limits the ability to do surgically what might need to be done and the patient is often quite uncomfortable. I perform many redo surgeries on patients who have had their first attempt elsewhere under just local anesthesia and they tell me stories of how uncomfortable they were.

Hope this helps,

Dr. Robert Oates, Boston

Published on Jul 11, 2012


More About Doctor John C. McHugh, MD

Published on Apr 18, 2019

Because reversals are not covered by insurance, some physicians offer local anesthesia in an office setting or a non-surgical center to cut costs. General anesthesia is more expensive. That said, the full range of anesthesia is available. Many times the choice of surgeon is associated with how much this will cost.

As far as settings are concerned, a hospital is most expensive, followed by an ambulatory surgery center, then local anesthesia in a clinic or office setting.

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

Because reversals are not covered by insurance, some physicians offer local anesthesia in an office setting or a non-surgical center to cut costs. General anesthesia is more expensive. That said, the full range of anesthesia is available. Many times the choice of surgeon is associated with how much this will cost.

As far as settings are concerned, a hospital is most expensive, followed by an ambulatory surgery center, then local anesthesia in a clinic or office setting.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Ranjith Ramasamy M.D.

Published on Feb 27, 2016

Usually, general anesthesia is used during a vasectomy, and this is because a microscope needs to be used to sew sutures that are smaller than a fingerprint.

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Answered by Ranjith Ramasamy M.D.

Usually, general anesthesia is used during a vasectomy, and this is because a microscope needs to be used to sew sutures that are smaller than a fingerprint.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Stephen F. Shaban, MD

Published on Feb 24, 2016

Usually, general anesthesia is all that is needed during a vasectomy reversal. However, there are a few who offer heavy IV sedation.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/5512_1477002758.jpg
Answered by Stephen F. Shaban, MD

Usually, general anesthesia is all that is needed during a vasectomy reversal. However, there are a few who offer heavy IV sedation.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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