Microsurgical Vasectomy Reversal
Robert U. Finnerty M.D. FACS
Success rates for vasectomy reversal are generally reported in two ways: technical success rates and pregnancy rates. When evaluating success rates, you should keep in mind that they are statistical averages derived from large numbers of patients. Your specific situation and results may differ from that of a group because of many personal variables, such as your age, your fertility prior to vasectomy, your partner’s fertility, the technique of vasectomy, and a host of other factors. Their principal value is to guide you to a general idea of your chances for success.
There have been many medical studies evaluating the success rates of vasectomy reversal, and these studies are often quoted by reversal surgeons when you ask about your chances for successful reversal. Unfortunately, these studies provide little or no help in assessing your chances for success with a specific surgeon. A surgeon with limited experience in microsurgery will not achieve the quoted success rates from large studies performed by experienced surgeons — and such inexperienced surgeons almost never have the skills to successfully and reliably perform epididymal reconstruction. Whenever possible, you should try to determine the experience and personal success rates of the specific surgeon to whom you are entrusting your reversal.