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Updated: Sep 25, 2026
Vessel-Sparing Microsurgical Longitudinal Intussusception Vasoepididymostomy to Treat Epididymal Obstructive Azoospermia
Published on: May 27, 2022
Current practice in the management of vasectomy reversal and unobstructive azoospermia in Merseyside & North Wales: a
S Wood1, N Montazeri, Y Sajjad
1Reproductive Medicine Unit, Liverpool Women's Hospital, UK. simon_j.wood@virgin.net
Objective:
To investigate the current incidence of vasectomy reversal procedures, the techniques used and which practitioners use them.
Patients And Methods:
Using a questionnaire, 130 general surgeons and urologists practising in Merseyside and North Wales were surveyed.
Results:
The response rate was 74%, with 24 urological surgeons and 14 general surgeons undertaking vasectomy reversal. Annually, urological surgeons carried out significantly more procedures than did general surgeons, at 8.5 and 5.3 (P = 0.029), respectively. They were also more likely to use double-layer closure and microsurgical techniques, whilst significantly less likely to use stents. Urologists reported significantly greater patency rates, at 76% and 52% (P = 0.017), respectively, with no significant differences in subsequent pregnancy rates (30% vs 25%). Only one practitioner checked tubal patency in the female partner before vasectomy reversal.
Conclusions:
The use of vasectomy reversal is a cost-effective treatment for men wanting paternity after vasectomy. The technique used by the clinician and proper audit of the results require close attention; it would also appear to be obvious that all the partners of men seeking a vasectomy reversal should have their fertility status established before reversal, something that is clearly not done at present.
