Post-Op Expectations

In our center a significant amount of time is spent advising patients on what to do post-op. Because the procedure is done with IV sedation supplemented with long acting local anesthetic there is no operative pain. The patient is able to leave the center 30 minutes after surgery, free of pain since the local anesthetics are still working and they will gradually wear off after two hours.

You will need to have a responsible adult (age 18 or older) to drive you and stay with you for 24 hours after surgery.

The first post-op night should be spent lying down. Dressing will need to be changed (we provide the gauze for dressings). We advise no prolonged standing or walking. The next day, the patient may ride in the car and walk short distances for meals. By the time drains are removed, post-op discomfort is minimal. The incisions are closed with absorbable suture. Once the drains are removed there is nothing further required except minor dressing changes at home. (There are no sutures to be removed).

An athletic supporter is put on immediately after surgery. Two types of support work well. The first is a standard athletic supporter that can be obtained anywhere; the second is called support briefs. They look like brief underwear but are made of elastic nylon material. The front looks like an athletic supporter; the back is solid nylon mesh. Don’t use regular underwear of any kind. They will not provide the support for the testicles.

Proper fit depends on waist size. We recommend the following supporters, although similar brands make work as well.  Some online sources for recommended supporters are:

• Champion Sport Stretch Brief  #UC36 available at Bare Necessities  
• Bike Brief Supporter #7130 available International Jock
• Pro-Duke Athletic Supporter #201CS available at Duke Athletic

The support is very helpful. It eliminates post-op discomfort, keeps the anastamosis from pulling apart and promotes good blood flow to the ends of the vas, which is important for healing. You will need to wear the support for the first month after surgery and thereafter for the next 6 months whenever you do physical activity.

At one week post-op the patient should be pain-free and any swelling or bruising is resolved. The incisions are usually healed completely by two to three weeks. For the first month post-op for a reversal, and six weeks for a vasoepididymostomy, we advise no lifting more than 30 pounds (stay away from the gym). NO running, walking long distances, climbing, horseback riding, motorcycling, etc. (You get the idea).

Some men will need to arrange light duty, or some  time off if their work is very physical. We will be happy to assist you if your employer requires paperwork to be filled out, or letters to be sent.

After 4 weeks, sexual activity can resume. Some couples have achieved pregnancy immediately. On the average, pregnancy occurs between six months to a year. Sexual activity every other day affords the best semen quality and allows the ductal system to continuously supply new sperm.

For further information, or to schedule an appointment, please contact us.