Time, Vasectomy Reversal & Sperm Count

Thursday 7th January 2010

This month’s publication of the online edition of the Journal of Endourology sees the first researched comparison between the commonly used microscope procedure against the robot-assisted procedure for vasectomies. With the increasing introduction of robots into these types of surgeries the findings could hold the key to further improvements to vasectomy reversals, namely in the quicker recovery period of the patient and increased return speeds of sperm counts.


Patients were compared for a year after their vasectomy reversal and it was found that the procedures carried out robotically resulted in a prompter return of the patients sperm count. The study based by the University of Florida urologists also reduces surgery time by twenty minutes and could help pave the way for future vasectomy reversals and improvements. Whilst it does show improvements on the most common of procedures many are still skeptical as to whether the leap to robot-assisted surgeries is necessary when the procedure is already carried out well with the use of microscopes. However, even though the surgery is already carried out well and effectively, the questions are being raised as to whether or not the robot-assisted surgery should be implemented if improved pregnancy rates times are lessened and sperm count returns are prompter. For everyone wanting a family, this could be the news they have all been waiting for. As Dr. Wayne Kuang of the University of Mexico rightly states, it is a “natural progression” in the procedure of vasectomy reversals.

Even though vasectomy reversals are already carried out well microscopically, this latest study has raised questions within this area. However, the robotic procedure could see limitations when it comes to other forms of vasectomy reversals, e.g. a secondary blockage of the testicles. Therefore, further tests are to be initiated to weigh up the pros and cons of each type of vasectomy reversal procedures. Yet surgeons are positive despite this latest surveys small group of patients as they show very promising results in regard to improved surgery times and return of sperm counts. Thus, the study could show the way for a pioneering new type of robotic surgery, increasing many peoples hope of having a family.

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