Factors influencing the outcome of vasectomy reversal

Fifty-six vasectomy reversals performed during the period 1976 to 1978 have been reviewed with reference to factors which might influence the outcome. Spermatozoa appeared in the ejaculate in 51 (91%) and remained in numbers greater than 10 million per ejaculate in 35 (63%). The wives of 14 men conceived. The following factors have been shown to be associated with a favourable result: a short delay between vasectomy and its reversal, a short previously resected segment, opalescent fluid from the cut lower end of the vas and the absence of circulating antisperm antibodies. A substantially higher conception rate was achieved when the husband had remained with his original partner. Sixty-two testicular biopsies obtained at the time of vasectomy reversal were examined by light microscopy and showed no gross impairment of spermatogenesis. Immunofluorescent techniques failed to show the presence of antigen antibody complexes in 36 testicular biopsies and in 12 vasal stumps.