Reversal of vasectomy using a macroscopic technique: a retrospective study

Eighty-five men underwent vasectomy reversal in our department between 1981 and 1994. All operations were performed without the aid of magnification. The results of semen analysis was available in 66 and the patency rate was 74%. A postal survey was sent to patients we could follow up, and among those who replied the pregnancy rate was 41% (16/39 respondents). These results are similar to those found by others using a macroscopic reversal of vasectomy and since the operator does not rely on the use of a microscope, which both incurs an added cost and requires extra expertise, we feel that the operation as described has a part to play in the management of men seeking reversal of vasectomy.