Frequently Asked Questions

“What is reversal of vasectomy?”

Around 4% of men undergoing vasectomy subsequently require for it to be reversed. The reversal operation involves finding the site of the previous vasectomy on both sides, removing any scar tissue and carefully joining the two ends together.

“What techniques are there?”

There are essentially two ways of doing this:
1) with the naked eye (or glasses)
2) using an operating microscope to achieve a microsurgical anastomosis (join)

“Which technique is best?”

It seems clear that the enhanced vision achieved under a microscope allows for a more accurate join: The European Association of Urology recommends a microsurgical anastomosis. Additionally, the technical skill (and patience) of the operating surgeon is very important and therefore patients must ensure their surgeon has a specific interest in reversal of vasectomy. The surgeon must have undergone appropriate training in microsurgery and it is important for them to be doing large numbers of reversal operations to keep up microsurgical skills.

What are the success rates?

Success depends not just on surgical factors as described above, but other issues also play a role. The key ones are:

a) the length of time since the vasectomy
b) the technique that was used to perform the original vasectomy
c) the presence of antisperm antibodies

A surgical success is defined as the presence of viable spermatozoa in the ejaculate postoperatively. At The Vasectomy Reversal Clinic, the success rate for those whose vasectomy was carried out in the previous 4 years is greater than 90%.

How long does the operation take?

In Mr Swinn’s series the average operation time is between 2 and 2.5 hours.

How long will I be in hospital?

Patients normally stay overnight and go home the following morning.

When do I get the results?

The sperm count is checked approximately 3 months after the reversal of vasectomy and the results are discussed in clinic 2 or 3 weeks following this. For those who prefer, telephone follow up can be arranged.

Do I need a referral or even an appointment first?

Referral letters from GPs are not required. An appointment before surgery is beneficial so that a full discussion of the procedure together with alternative treatments is discussed. It also allows for physical examination which can be helpful. For those travelling from abroad or from long distances within the UK, a consultation on the day of surgery can usually be arranged.

How much does it cost?

The initial consultation is £150.
The price of the microsurgical vasectomy reversal is £2970.

This includes:

• the surgeon’s fee
• the anaesthetist’s fee
• use of the operating theatre and microscope
• all hospital fees including overnight stay
• semen analysis 3 months post vasectomy reversal
• follow up consultation

If sperm retrieval and cryopreservation (freezing) are requested there is an additional cost of £1250.

How do I make an appointment?

• Appointments for The Vasectomy Reversal Clinic can be made by telephoning Gatwick Park Hospital on (01293) 778919
• Alternatively, you are welcome to make informal inquiries by telephoning Mr Swinn’s private secretary, Lesley, on (01737) 212346
• Or if there is anything you want to ask Mr Swinn, you can e-mail him directly on This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it