Superior outcomes of microsurgical vasectomy reversal in men with the same female partners.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the outcomes of vasectomy reversals in men with the same female partners.

DESIGN

Retrospective analysis with comparison with a historical cohort.

SETTING

University hospital.

PATIENT(S): Among 1,048 patients who underwent microsurgical vasectomy reversal from 1986 to 2002, 27 men (2.6%) were identified who had the same partners as before their vasectomy.

INTERVENTION(S): Microsurgical vasovasostomy or vasoepididymostomy.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Semen parameters, clinical pregnancy, and live birth rates.

RESULT(S): The mean age of the men was 38.5 years, and 37.2 years for their female partners. The reasons for vasectomy reversal were death of a child in 33% of cases and desire for more children in 66% of cases. The overall patency rate was 100% at 1 month postoperatively, with an average sperm concentration of 30 million/mL and 24% motility. Among patients with follow-up beyond 1 year, the natural pregnancy rate was 86%, which was achieved at 8.3 months postoperatively, with a live birth rate of 82%. The live birth rate in couples with the death of a child was 100%.

CONCLUSION(S): The outcomes of vasectomy reversal in men with the same female partners are better than for men with new partners. Possible reasons for these superior results are previous proven fecundity as a couple, shorter time interval since vasectomy, and emotional dedication.