My Vasectomy Reversal

There’s a new article about vasectomy reversal at MayoClinic.com. It’s a good introduction to the subject, and has a fascinating section at the end where they look down the road towards future technologies that may improve vasectomy reversal success rates:

• Researchers are developing robotic instruments for use in vasectomy reversal and other delicate surgeries. Although the technology is still in the initial stages, robots have the potential to improve surgeons’ ability to perform technically challenging operations.
• Experts are testing the use of artificial stents to reconstruct the vas deferens during vasectomy reversal surgery. So far, the stents haven’t been tested on humans, but initial studies with rabbits indicate that their use may lessen the possibility of sperm obstruction after vasectomy reversal.

Otherwise, there are the usual facts and figures — the percentage of men undergoing vasectomies who will ultimately seek a vasectomy reversal (2-6%), the cost of vasectomy reversal ($5,000 to $12,000), and the length of time following surgery before you should have sex or ejaculate (four weeks). I’m glad my doctor said I only needed to wait five days to ejaculate and ten days for sex!

Related post: Cost of vasectomy reversal

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