The Importance of Choosing an Experienced Surgeon for Vasectomy Reversal

For men who have had a vasectomy and now wish to start or expand their families, a vasectomy reversal is a significant and exciting procedure. Therefore, it's important to select a top-tier surgeon for the job. Here’s what you need to know about vasectomy reversals and how to find an experienced surgeon to maximize your chances of conceiving.

The Vasectomy Reversal Procedure

During the vasectomy reversal procedure, a surgeon re-attaches the vas deferens in one of two ways, depending on where sperm is found:

• Vasovasostomy: With this procedure, the surgeon reconnects the ends of the vas deferens after removing the blockage of each tube that carries sperm.
• Vasoepididymostomy: During a vasoepididymostomy, the surgeon attaches the vas deferens directly to the small organ at the back of each testicle that holds sperm. This procedure is more complicated than a vasovasostomy and is done if a vasovasostomy will not work or if sperm is not present.

Factors to Consider

Vasectomy reversals can be complicated, and they require specialized skills and expertise. Your surgeon should:

• Be currently certified by the American Board of Urology.
• Have extensive, specialized microsurgery training.
• Be a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS). This organization sets high standards for its members to ensure patients receive exceptional medical care.
• Perform the surgery from beginning to end. No fellows or medical students should complete any critical aspects of the procedure.
• Use a premier operating suite with experienced staff.
• Offer various choices of anesthesia.
• Provide a fixed, all-inclusive price for the procedure.
• Be easily accessible after surgery for any questions or concerns.
• Provide success rates for the specific procedure you will be getting as well as the number of procedures they have performed in the past year.
• Have staff available around the clock to answer your questions and help you throughout your recovery.

Experience Matters

The average success rate for patency after a vasectomy reversal is 70%, while the average pregnancy success rate is 55%. However, Dr. Martin Bastuba, a surgeon at Male Fertility & Sexual Medicine Specialists, offers a vasectomy reversal patency success rate of 98% and a pregnancy success rate of between 65-75%, demonstrating the impact of using an experienced surgeon.

Schedule Your Vasectomy Reversal Today

Undergoing a vasectomy reversal with an experienced surgeon can increase your chances of successfully conceiving. Dr. Bastuba at Male Fertility & Sexual Medicine Specialists in San Diego and La Jolla, California, is specially trained in diagnosing and treating male fertility and sexual health. He has performed over 5,000 microsurgeries and numerous other procedures. For more information, contact us today to schedule an appointment.