POST-OPERATIVE INSTRUCTIONS FOR VASOVASOSTOMIES

ACTIVITY:

Your physical activity is to be restricted immediately following your vasectomy reversal. This is particularly true during the first 7 days after surgery. During that time you should remain relatively inactive and avoid lifting any heavy objects (anything greater than 15 pounds). You should remain in bed for the first three days and applying an ice pack wrapped with a terry cloth towel directly to the scrotum. This ice pack should be applied off and on for approximately 24 hours. You should limit stair climbing and avoid driving and limit any car rides. It is extremely important that you do not engage in sexual intercourse, and do not ejaculate for at least three weeks following surgery. The vas deferens must be kept "at rest".

DIET:

You may return to your normal diet immediately. I would suggest you eat fresh fruits and vegetables, i.e. roughage, to avoid constipation.

WOUND CARE:

As mentioned above, an ice pack should be applied to the scrotum off and on for the first 24 hours following surgery. You will go home with a jock strap, as well as gauze fluffs protecting the scrotum and incision sites. This gauze should be changed on a daily basis for at least three or four days. You may decide to wear the jock strap for seven to ten days since it will give you additional support and protection. You may shower 2 days following surgery, but avoid scrubbing the scrotum vigorously and no tub baths or swimming for 7 days after surgery.

MEDICATIONS:

You will be discharged with a narcotic analgesic, Vicodin or Percocet. If the pain is not too bad, then I would encourage you to simply take Tylenol (acetaminophen) or Advil (ibuprofen). You will also be discharged with an antibiotic which you should take according to the directions on the bottle.

PROBLEMS YOU SHOULD REPORT TO US:

A:    Fevers over 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit.

B:     Excessive swelling of the scrotum and/or bleeding. C: Drug reactions (hives, skin rash, nausea or vomiting).

FOLLOW-UP:

You will need a follow-up appointment to monitor your progress. I would appreciate you calling our office within 24 hours to make an appointment for 7-10 days following your surgery. We usually do not perform the first post-operative semen analysis (sperm count) until 6-8 weeks following surgery. Again, it is important to mention that you should not ejaculate for the first three weeks following surgery.