Why Don’t All Vasectomy Reversal Doctors Get the Same Success?

Each doctor’s vas reversal success rates have to do with each doctor’s basic and advanced levels of training in urology, male fertility, skills and microsurgical expertise. Of course, even the best trained doctors may not be a technically gifted microsurgeon and others with only a urology residency may have wonderful results, but in general as in any surgical field, research confirms that the best results will usually be with the most trained and experienced surgeons.

This article, by international authority Dr. Sheldon Marks, author, lecturer and microsurgeon, reviews the wide variability in vasectomy reversal success rates that doctors achieve and the extreme variability in their field of training, skills and experience.

Finding and going to a vasectomy reversal doctor in 2023 is very much a “buyer beware” situation. Each patient’s success and care often depend on the doctor that is selected. Most people are surprised that not all vas reversal doctors have the same level of training (many have next to none) or use the newest 3 to 4 layer, multi-layer microsurgical techniques. The desire to perform vasectomy reversals does not magically empower any surgeon with the skill, knowledge and expertise to do it right and achieve the highest success or the most expert urologic specialists.

Motivation is important but alone is not enough. For any surgery, and especially a technically challenging microsurgical vasectomy reversal, it makes sense to choose the absolute top, true expert to do it right the first time so each couple has the highest chances to achieve their dream of children.

We know that every doctor that performs reverse vasectomies will have successes that they proudly display. As the old saying goes, “even the blind squirrel will find an occasional acorn.” All doctors that perform vas reversals will have successes simply because the human body has an amazing ability to restore and heal itself after surgery. In all fields and especially with vasectomy reversals, those doctors with less training or experience usually will be seen to have a lower success rate with potentially more complications than a true vasectomy reversal authority.

Think of it this way – because of the magic of human body’s ability to heal itself, many vasectomy reversal successes are not because of the doctor but despite the doctor!

There are some doctors who will say that they are trained in microsurgery, yet many have only have some microsurgery experience in totally unrelated fields. It is important for the highest successful vasectomy reversal rates to know that outcomes are more than throwing a few sutures, such as understanding the fine balance and management of male hormones, testosterone, diet, medications, health and many lifestyle and occupational factors that can impact on reverse vasectomy success rates (3,4,5). There are doctors who claim to be vasectomy reversals expert who do not offer or understand the critical value of continued aftercare.

A few hours of lectures and a couple of hours of lab or watching someone else perform a vas reversal does not make a doctor skilled or qualified as an expert. Not just when performing reverse vasectomies but in any surgical field.

Choosing to have a vas reversal is a major life decision, as the doctor that is selected to perform the reverse vasectomy may impact on whether or not a couple’s dreams come true. Take the time to learn all that each couple can and ask the tough questions.  We are confident that most will quickly understand why so many choose to come to Dr. Marks and Dr. Burrows, here at ICVR, a true full-time, vas reversal only “Center of Excellence” for a precision microsurgical vas reversal.

We trust that patients, when given accurate and honest information, will be able to make an intelligent, informed shared decision about which vasectomy reversal doctor is best for them.

Our team of professionals is here to answer any questions, and when ready, we can set up a no-cost phone, Zoom, Face Time, Skype or office consult with either Dr. Marks or Dr. Burrows. Call (888) 722-2929 to start the process to becoming a Dad Again.

This page was reviewed, edited and updated January 4, 2023, by Sheldon H. F. Marks, MD.

References:

1. Jee SH, Hong YK. One-layer vasovasostomy: microsurgical versus loupe-assisted. Fertil Steril 2010;94(6):2308-11.
2. Fox M. Vasectomy reversal—microsurgery for highest results. Br J Urol 1994;73(4):449-53.
3. Eisenberg ML, Kim S, Chen Z, Sundaram R, Schisterman EF, Buck Louis GM. The relationship between male BMI and waist circumference on sperm quality data from the LIFE study. Hum Reprod 2014;29(2):193-200.
4. Rossi BV, Abusief M, Missmer SA. Modifiable Risk Factors and Infertility: What are the Connections? Am J Lifestyle Med. 2014;10(4):220-231.
5. Sharma R, Biedenharn KR, Fedor JM, Argawal A. Lifestyle factors and reproductive health: taking control of  fertility. Reprod Biol Endocrinol. 2013 Jul 16;11:66.