Approximately 600,000 vasectomies are performed annually in the United States.  An average of 6% of these will result in requests for a reversal in order to restore the man's fertility.

In a vasectomy the vas deferens is anesthetized and a puncture is made to excise a 1 centimeter segment.  The remaining ends are then sealed by cautery and a suture.  The puncture is closed with an absorbable needle.  The procedure is then repeated on the other side.

The reversal procedure removes the scarred portions and reconnects the vas deferens, restoring the flow of sperm from the testicles to the prostate.

There are two different methods for performing the reversal.  A vasovasostomy or a vasoepididymostomy.  The success rate is dependent on several factors such as how long ago the vasectomy was performed, the amount of scarring and therefore the method necessary for the reversal procedure.  The success rate of the reversal is not guaranteed.

The vasovasostomy is the most common method used for the reversal.  The ends of the vas deferens are sewn together with sutures finer than human hair.  This returns the flow of sperm to the prostate.  In some cases the vasectomy has caused scarring in the epididymis which will not allow sperm to flow to the vas deferens.  In this case a vasoepididymostomy is performed.  A vasoepididymostomy, bypasses the blockage in the epididymis.

Although no specific tessting is required prior to surgery, a general health assessment is necessary.  It is recommended that prior to surgery the spouse be evaluated by an OB/GYN to evaluate her fertility possibilities.

Vasectomy reversals are performed at North Seattle Surgical Center under general anesthestic.  The surgery takes approximately 3 hours and the cost estimates for the Surgery Center and Anesthesiologist are based on that time frame.  Patients are discharged the same day.  Discomfort is variable but will be greater than experienced during the vasectomy.  Pain medication is prescribed and most pain will subside within 3 to 4 days.  The patient will be discharged from the surgery center with a snug fitting scrotal supporter.  Patients can shower 48 hours after the procedure.  Light work (desk work) can resume 3 days after surgery.  Lifting items over 10 pounds, running, jogging or other strenuous exercise is not recommended for 4 weeks.  Intercourse or ejaculation is allowed after 4-6 weeks..  I recommend that the patient wear a scrotal supporter post operatively, at all times, including sleeping.

Insurance companies do not pay for vasectomy reversals.  All charges must be paid up front.  Dr. Downey's fee is collected at the time the reversal is scheduled.   The surgery center and anesthesiology charges are paid on the day of the procedure at the surgery center. 
Costs: Surgeon-$2200.00 paid to Urology NW when scheduling
          Surgery center- $1500.00 paid on day of procedure to surgery center**
          Anesthesia-$1105.00 paid on day of procedure at surgery  center**
To schedule an evaluation appointment with Dr. Downey, please call 425-275-5555

** rates are subject to change without notice-as the price is determined exclusively by those entities and not by Urology Northwest, PS.