In most cases, no. Almost all vasectomy techniques involve removing a short piece of the vas, and sealing off the cut ends using sutures, metal clips, cautery, or a combination of these. All of the scarring from the vasectomy — regardless of technique — is removed at the time of reversal. The length of vas removed is rarely if ever a problem.
The so-called “no-scalpel” vasectomy — which uses cautery alone to seal the vas — does cause, in Dr. Finnerty’s opinion, a greater chance of developing secondary epididymal obstruction. But the greatly improved success of epididymal repair using new techniques makes this issue far less important than it was in the past.
On rare occasions, a vasectomy is done at the time of an inguinal hernia repair, or an abdominal surgery. While vasectomy performed in these areas can be reversed, the surgery may be much more difficult and complicated.
