Vasectomy reversal. Review of 475 microsurgical vasovasostomies

Over a 10-year period, routine vasectomies were reversed, and a very high rate of return of patency and potency was obtained in a series of 475 patients. The patients who presented for the reversal of vasectomy were, on average, about 33 years of age and had undergone vasectomy five years previously. An original, meticulous, microsurgical technique enabled the return of sperms to the ejaculate in over 90% of patients; the subsequent pregnancy rate in their spouses was over 82% in the first two years after the operation. The reversal of routine vasectomies which have been performed in the mid-scrotal area, at least 3 cm away from the epididymis, has the best chance of success; damage to the epididymis may preclude the reconstructive procedure.