Vasectomy reversals

Press, 30 November 1978, Page 6

Vasectomy reversals

Thirteen men in Christchurch have been given vasectomy reversal operations over the last three years but only one is known subsequently to have fathered a child. Two Christchurch urologists who performed the vaso-vasotomies (vasectomy reversals) believe that it is a “chancy business” for a man to expect to be able to father a child after such an operation.

While a vaso-vasotomy may be a technical success, sometimes sufficient sperm may not reappear. This may be caused by an alteration of sperm activity or by antibody production resulting in destruction of the sperm. Also, the two ends of the vas may not reconnect properly, say the urologists. Successful reconnection may depend on where the vas was orginally cut. The

duct is more likely to reconnect it it was cut on the straight part of the tube than if cut on a convulted part.

Because more men are having vasectomies, the number of reversals is increasing, too.

Some urologists in New Zealand consider that it may become possible to control the passage of sperm along the two vasa, thus eliminating the need for repeated operations.