Vasectomy Reversal Complications & Risks

Posted on October 2, 2009

In general, vasectomy reversal is a very safe procedure. In healthy men, the risks of having a significant problem with anesthesia are very unusual (less than 1%). Regarding the procedure, hematoma occurs in less than 5% of men and is an often sizeable collection of blood that pools in the scrotum because of a ruptured blood vessel.

Vasectomy-reversal

However,you may be wondering how to manage any discomfort or pain after a vasectomy reversal or how long the recovery period is. Here are some general guidelines and possible vasectomy reversal risks. Be sure to discuss any possible concerns you might have with your doctor.

  • Bleeding within the scrotum. This may lead to a collection of blood (hematoma) that causes painful swelling. You can reduce this risk by avoiding aspirin before and after surgery and following your doctor’s instructions to rest after surgery.
  • Infection at the surgery site. This isn’t common, but is a risk with any surgery.
  • Inflammation. Sperm leakage into the scrotum can prompt your immune system to form an inflammatory mass called a sperm granuloma. Granulomas usually occur sometime after surgery and can be a sign that a vasectomy reversal wasn’t successful.
  • Damage to nerves and blood vessels. In some cases, this reduces fertility after a vasectomy reversal.

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.

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