Outpatient Procedure

The patient who undergoes microsurgical vasectomy reversal is allowing himself the best possible chance for reversal success and subsequent pregnancy for the couple. There is no patient with a vasectomy, regardless of the age of the patient or the age of the vasectomy, that is not within reach of success with the modern microsurgical techniques of vasovasostomy and vasoepididymostomy.

Vasectomy reversal takes 3 hours in our office surgical unit. It is entirely an outpatient procedure. It is pain free and the patient can leave and have lunch 30 minutes after the procedure is completed.

A C.R.N.A. (certified registered nurse anesthetist) provides IV sedation monitored anesthesia care throughout the entire procedure. Dr. Gatewood supplements the I.V. Sedation with a long acting local anaesthetic. The patient does not feel this and sleeps comfortably through the surgery. The patient is able to breathe on his own and is awakened after the procedure is over and is able to recuperate at home or beachside if you are coming from out of town. 

The patient is free from pain for several hours after the procedure due to the injection of local anesthetic and requires only mild pain medication post-op. Many patients remark that the procedure is relatively painless.

Dr. Gatewood uses tiny drains in the incision sites which stay in place for approximately two days. This allows any excess fluids, caused by the manipulation of fluids during the surgery, to drain into the bandages. This eliminates swelling and bruising, which helps to keep the patient more comfortable, thus, there is no need to use any ice packs.  Dr. Gatewood suggests that the patient stay off his feet as much as possible for five days following the surgery and that they avoid sexual intercourse for the next four weeks. He also advises them to wear a scrotal support for 4-6 weeks after the reversal particularly if there is a large defect in the vas deferens that had to be bridged.

He advises a complete semen analysis at 3 and 6 months after the procedure. Optimal semen quality is obtained by 6 months after the reversal.

We routinely have patients fly in from all over the country and we are also scheduling patients on an international basis. The minimum number of days needed to stay in Bradenton is three. The initial consultation history and physical exam can be done by Dr. Gatewood immediately prior to surgery.

Dr. Gatewood will remove two small penrose drains on your follow up visit, two days post-op.

Since Dr. Gatewood and his staff are committed to the highest quality of patient care, we require the patient to have a primary care physician or urologist in his home town who can clear the patient from a medical standpoint and / or provide any treatment which may become necessary post operatively once the patient leaves Florida. A 3 and 6 month semen analysis are advised and results will be mailed to the patient for any questions or concerns however, due to the fact that he is licensed to practice in Florida and not in your home state necessitates the patient consulting with his home state physician regarding any further care.

We treasure pictures of the baby. These are displayed on our large bulletin boards and albums in the family waiting lounge.

The Sarasota/Bradenton Airport is the closest airport to us, but also within easy driving distance is the Tampa International Airport which sometimes offers lower fares. Tampa is only 45 miles north of Bradenton.

Bradenton is a beautiful gulf coast community. Many patients incorporate their reversal procedure into their vacation time. Bradenton is known for its beautiful beaches and is ideally located to many of Florida's attractions, such as Busch Gardens, Sea World and Disney World. There is also golfing, fishing and water-sports.

On a personal note, remember that medical expenses exceeding 7.5%, of your AGI, that have not been reimbursed, are tax deductible as allowed by law, this would include airfares, meals, etc. See http://www.IRS.gov and search Publication #502 for details of allowable deductions.

 "Working with you to produce results!"