Microsurgical vasovasostomy in military personnel

This paper details the operative techniques, results and reasons for reversals of vasectomy in military personnel. Fifty-two reversals were performed by two surgeons (AC & DW) over a 7 year period. Data collection was by (i) retrospective analysis of service documents, surgical registers and laboratory records and (ii) response to a questionnaire. The interval between original vasectomy and reversal varied from 5 months to 16 years. Change of sexual partner was the most common reason for requesting the procedure. There were two recorded postoperative infections and no postoperative mortality. Post-reversal semen analysis proved anastomotic success in 49 out of 51 cases (96%). Semen analysis was not returned for the remaining case. Of the couples who had been trying for at least 18 months, 28 out of 42 (67%) had conceived, including one miscarriage. A further seven cases had been trying for less than 18 months, or had no opportunity due to physical separation. Two of these seven patients ended their relationship soon after operation. Pregnancy outcome was unknown in three cases.