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 epididymo-vasostomy for the post-vasectomy pain syndrome were evaluated for characteristics of symptoms, previous therapy, interval from vasectomy, success of surgery and duration or 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.
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Oregon Health Sciences University, Kaiser Permanente, Portland, Oregon.
