Vasectomy reversal for treatment of the post-vasectomy pain syndrome

Abstract

Purpose: The post-vasectomy pain syndrome is a rare but troublesome complication of vasectomy. We report our experience with 32 patients who underwent vasectomy reversal for relief of the post-vasectomy pain syndrome.

Materials and methods: The records of 32 patients undergoing vasovasostomy or epididymovasostomy for the post-vasectomy pain syndrome were evaluated for characteristics of symptoms, previous therapy, interval from vasectomy, success of surgery and duration of relief.

Results: Of 32 men who underwent vasectomy reversal for the post-vasectomy pain syndrome between 1980 and 1994, 24 had relief of symptoms after the initial procedure. Of 8 men with recurrent pain 6 underwent a second reversal procedure, and 3 of them subsequently had relief of symptoms. Overall, 27 of 32 men had resolution of pain.

Conclusions: In our experience vasectomy reversal has a high rate of success for relief of the post-vasectomy pain syndrome. It does not preclude other forms of surgical therapy and it should be considered in the treatment of the post-vasectomy pain syndrome.

PIP: The post-vasectomy pain syndrome is a rare but troublesome complication of vasectomy. The authors report on their experience with 32 patients who underwent vasectomy reversal for relief of the post-vasectomy pain syndrome. The records of the 32 patients undergoing vasovasostomy or epididymovasostomy for the post-vasectomy pain syndrome were evaluated for characteristics of symptoms, previous therapy, interval from vasectomy, success of surgery, and duration of relief. Of the 32 men who underwent vasectomy reversal for the post-vasectomy pain syndrome between 1980 and 1994, 24 had relief of symptoms after the initial procedure. Of 8 men with recurrent pain, 6 underwent a second reversal procedure, and 3 of them subsequently had relief of symptoms. Overall, 27 of the 32 men had resolution of pain. In the authors' experience vasectomy reversal has a high rate of success for relief of the post-vasectomy pain syndrome. It does not preclude other forms of surgical therapy and it should be considered in the treatment of the post-vasectomy pain syndrome.