Reversing Vasectomy

Q. What are the complications of vasectomy reversals?

A. As with any surgery, bleeding and infection can occur. Both of these should probably be in the 1% range in terms of frequency.

Bleeding, when it occurs, is inside the scrotum, and happens in the early post operative period, usually within the first 12 hours. It is not life-threatening and almost never requires blood transfusion. This complication can be handled by draining the scrotum. When necessary, a suture or clip may have to be applied to the bleeding vessel. Hospitalization is rarely needed. The main symptom of scrotal bleeding (hematoma) is extreme swelling within a few hours of surgery. The skin becomes taut and discomfort is extreme. The problem usually can be alleviated in a short period of time.

Infection can occur 5 days to 2 weeks after vasectomy reversal surgery. It rarely causes fever, but can. Generally it is treated by getting a culture, taking oral antibiotics, and performing local wound care.

Other possible complications such as testicular atrophy or loss of a testicle are extremely rare and do not need to be addressed here.