After the Vasectomy Reversal Operation

It is important to allow time for the joins to heal properly before returning to normal activity. Ideally, patients should have 8-10 days off work following surgery, although earlier return to work may be possible, depending on the level of activity involved.

Patients should be relatively sedentary during this post-operative period and should “put their feet up” for the first 48 hours or so after going home.

A dissolvable suture is put into the skin at the end of the operation so that it does not need to be removed.

Complications are rare but include a scrotal haematoma. This is a collection of blood and other fluid in the scrotum and occurs in about 2% of cases. The chances of this occurring are minimised by following the post-operative instructions as above. Other complications reported include testicular discomfort after the operation. Again, the chances of this are small.

Sex can be resumed after perhaps 4 weeks or so, depending on the rate of healing.

On discharge, patients are given a pot for collection of a semen sample together with a request form and instructions on when and where to deliver it. This should take place approximately 3 months after surgery. An appointment is made to discuss the results with Mr Swinn 3 weeks or so following delivery of the sample, though telephone follow up can be arranged if required.

All patients are given Mr Swinn’s phone number and are free to contact him after discharge from hospital if they have any concerns.