As most of our microscopic reversal patients are from out of town, we offer free accommodations at Gainesville’s Holiday Inn-Lanier Centre. This hotel is less than two miles from our surgery center and depending on the travel needs of the patient, we can reserve a room the night before or after the procedure.
Considering the time, expense and emotions involved with having any surgical procedure, we are happy to offer this small convenience to our out of town patients. At scheduling, Kathy (ext. 113) will happily arrange for you.
If you are considering a vasectomy reversal, even if you are unsure who you will choose to perform it, it is a good idea to have a preoperative consultation. You can ask the pressing questions that concern you, you can get a concept of the procedure, the time it will take, the cost, and as a result of the exam of the previous vasectomy site-you will know if there are any contraindications for the procedure pertinent to you. It is also an opportunity to get to know the physician that may be doing the procedure.
The reason it is not unusual for a consultation to be free for reversals is that the visit and the subsequent procedure is usually not covered by insurance. The free consultation is beneficial to both parties and by being at no cost encourages the couple to take that”first step” to the journey of having another baby.
Gainesville Urologist Provides Unique Niche for Microscopic Vasectomy Reversal Surgery in Northeast Georgia.
Northeast Georgia Urologist John McHugh M.D. is one of a small number of urologists in Georgia who performs the Microscopic Vasectomy Reversal routinely.
“Naomi Aria Polk was born 12 months after having my surgery, & we couldn’t be happier with our newest addition!” Reginald Polk
Only a small percentage of urologists both perform this procedure at an acceptable cost and have the experience to assure optimal results.
Gainesville, Georgia (PRWEB)
Community urologist John McHugh routinely performs a procedure that most urologists don’t do at all. Although the concept of a vasectomy reversal (removing the vasectomy site scar and reattaching the vas tubes) is simple, the actual performance of the procedure is not. Two issues make a vasectomy reversal unique compared to other procedures that the urologist performs: one the number of couples who desire a reversal is only six percent of those who have had a vasectomy and as a result the number of potential reversals for the average practicing urologist is small, two the procedure involves microscopic suture and use of the operating microscope and as a result there is a steep learning curve. These two factors contribute to the fact that very few urologists perform vasectomy reversals and fewer yet perform it frequently to do it well. Although pregnancy after a reversal is multifactorial it all begins with the quality of the joining of the two ends of the vas deferens in a tension free and watertight fashion and this in turn highlights the importance of an experienced surgeon.
“Although I have done reversals for over twenty-five years, the opening our Urological Ambulatory Surgery Center in 2009 has added the dimension of making the procedure more cost effective and efficient for the patient. We have the same suture, operating microscope, microscopic instrumentation and staff without the expense of the hospital,” says Dr. McHugh.
Dr. McHugh performs the procedure using a modified two layer anastomosis using microscopic suture, a Zeiss operating microscope with anesthesia provided by a Board Certified Anesthesiologist. His surgery center is accredited adding safety of the patient to the benefits the reversal he performs.
“Few urologists perform microscopic vasectomy reversals routinely because the number of patients who desire it is small. If you add to this the cost of having it performed in a hospital and the fact that the procedure is not covered by insurance, you can see how the patients become very selective. In addition, the patient must undergo the expense and inconvenience of this procedure and rightfully wants the best chance of pregnancy. Few urologists meet the criteria of providing both acceptable cost and the experience to assure optimal results,” adds Dr. McHugh.
Dr. McHugh uses a technique in which the tube inside each vas deferens is joined by using six 9-0 microscopic sutures, which are smaller than a hair in diameter, making the use of a microscope a necessity. The outer layer is then joined with additional sutures assuring a watertight connection.
The procedure involves two small upper scrotal incisions and takes between two and half and three hours to perform. Success of the procedure is affected by the length of time between the procedure and when the vasectomy was done. Historical data regarding success rates depending on when the vasectomy was performed is on the reversal page of his practice website-ngurology.com.
Dr. McHugh offers a free consultation to couples considering having a vasectomy reversal and complimentary hotel accommodations for out of town patients who desire it.
“The microscopic vasectomy reversal has become for me the most enjoyable and rewarding procedure I perform as a urologist.” – Dr. John McHugh
Dr. McHugh has written several books available on Amazon and has practiced urology in Gainesville, Georgia for twenty nine years. His interests include history, writing, dogs, water and fishing.
Answer: One month is the usual recommendation however, I have had couples tell me (I am not making this up) that they had sex the evening of the procedure and that the reversal resulted in a baby.
The microscopic reversal is watertight from the microscopic sutures (meaning conceivably that tube is patent from the get go and that sperm can traverse the reversal without leakage) however there are other areas of the procedure that need to heal as well. So the one month of waiting is for everything to heal properly- from the skin incision, to the vessels that surround the vas deferens and the repair itself.
Earlier this year Dr. McHugh performed his hundredth microscopic vasectomy reversal in the Northeast Georgia Urological Surgery Center. Thanks to all the patients and the dedicated staff that helped make this possible. Here’s to the next one hundred!
So why is an operating microscope necessary for reversing a vasectomy?
Well…
The thickness of a strand of hair is 100 microns.
The outside thickness of the vas deferens is about 2 mm and the lumen of the vas (the part of the vas that is connected with the reversal procedure and the tube that sperm travels) averages about .56 mm.
The suture used used for the procedure is 70 -100 microns, i.e. the suture is about the diameter of the human hair.
So…12 or so sutures the size of hair is used to join a tube that is that is less than a millimeter in diameter.
1000 microns equals a millimeter.
Of note: The suture that is usually be used to close an incision after an abdominal procedure would be bigger than the tube in which sperm travels in the vas deferens.
Very small sutures must be used to connect very small openings if there is going to be enough room after connecting the tubes for sperm to travel in their quest to achieve pregnancy.
And now…you know the rest of the story-and why…size does matter.
Yes a vasectomy can be reversed with a microscopic vasectomy reversal…but that really isn’t the issue. The real question is if a vasectomy is reversed what are the chances that it will be successful?
The answer is multifactorial and dependent on the age of the male and female, how long ago was the vasectomy done, the reproductive health of the female, the surgical reconnection of the vas deferens staying open after they are rejoined, and finally the quality of the semen produced after the reversal. All of these factors explain why the patency of the procedure (presence of sperm) and the pregnancy (it worked) of the procedure differ.
Yes you can send a boy to college but you can’t make him think
and yes you can lead a horse to water but you can’t make him drink.
Yes you can reverse a vasectomy but that don’t guarantee no baby
It’s about if it will result in success and that my friend is a big maybe!
Reversal Rates Based on the Time Since Vasectomy
Less than 3 years Patency 97% Pregnancy 76%
3-8 years Patency 88% Pregnancy 53%
9-14 years Patency 79% Pregnancy 44%
Greater than 15 years Patency 71% Pregnancy 30%
Belker AM, et al. Results of 1,469 microsurgical vasectomy reversals by the Vasovasostomy Study Group. Journal of Urology 1991; 145(3):505-11.
Mike McGinnis
2023-03-18
I can’t say enough great things about this place! 100% make sure you choose the nitrous oxide to help. Truly painless and the nitrous oxide put me at a level of peace I had never felt before.
Thanks for everything!
Michael Berliner
2023-02-16
If you’re looking for a vasectomy, look no further. There is a reason for all the five star reviews. Dr. McHugh and his team were as good as you could ask for. Very professional and took excellent care of me. 10/10 experience for something that has the potential to be very stressful.
Andrew Simmons
2023-02-13
Highly recommend Dr. McHugh. He was very thorough on explaining the procedure. His team was also very transparent on my options of paying for the procedure and what they would be.
Seth Willoughby
2023-02-06
Really glad I stumbled upon Dr.Mchugh. I have chosen him for my vasectomy.I 100% would recommend him to the highest degree for any of your urology needs.
Brianna Redding
2023-02-01
After 5 years of having a vasectomy. My husband and I wanted to give our daughter a sibling. We drove 2 hours to have Dr. McHugh and his team give us a chance at growing our family again. They were informative and the overall surgery was handled smoothly leaving us with high hopes. 7 months later and we were expecting our second daughter. We cannot thank the practice enough and highly recommend them.
JT Mc Dowell
2023-01-20
Dr was awesome, staff was all amazingly positive and easy going which made the entire experience a breeze. Even had Slipknot jamming in the room for me during the procedure which was so quick. 10/10 I would recommend anybody to them for their vasectomy needs.
Jordan Voss
2023-01-16
I had a great experience getting my reversal done here. The whole team was great and worked with me to make me feel as comfortable as possible. Dr. McHugh is very personable and is one of the most experienced doctors in the area so it was an easy choice. I would recommend to anyone who wants a vasectomy or reversal done.
Matt Dyer
2023-01-06
Dr. McHugh and his team were great, any questions that may be brought up he had an answer to. I would recommend Dr. McHugh to everyone.
Dylan McClellan
2022-12-31
Dr. John McHugh and staff were so friendly and made the whole process super simple and smooth. I will be recommending all of my friends interested in a vasectomy to come straight to him and his team. Don’t hesitate to call them first
Pretty in Pink
Another happy reversal result!
Dr. McHugh is the one you should see. We HIGHLY recommend him! Thank you so much again to him and all of his staff. INCREDIBLE!
My husband asked questions ahead of time and from friends that previously had the procedure. He felt confident going in and completely comfortable during the procedure. Highly recommend them.
Twice as Nice!
With time, prayers and of course a great surgeon we now have a healthy baby boy! Thank you!
We are happy to report that we are pregnant! Thank you to all of you who participated in our care, especially Dr. McHugh. We are so pleased and excited.
My wife and I are happy to announce that we are now expecting in March of 2020. This wouldn’t be possible without Dr. McHugh and his amazing staff! Thank y’all!
Thank you!
I had my vasectomy reversal in February 2018 and my wife got pregnant in May 2018, only 3 months later! The service and attention received before, during and after the procedure was excellent. The team was very warm and super easy to work with.
Fantastic bedside manner, office and surgical staff were top notch. This coming from a nurse of 12 years. I was never nervous or uncomfortable. (Microscopic Vasectomy Reversal)
Stephen
Dr. McHugh is the best! Our family was also blessed by his surgical expertise.
Thanks for dropping by!
What a delightful surprise!
Success!
Thank you Dr. McHugh and staff!
Welcome…Ella Grace.
After extensive research, we found that the technique performed by Dr. McHugh was the best fit for us. It was the least invasive, and offered the fastest recovery. Dr. McHugh & his team delivered a high caliber of service & comfort for me, & I am extremely thankful for his practice.
Naomi was born just 12 months after having my surgery, & we couldn’t be happier with our newest addition!
Even after a miscarriage, with time, prayers and of course a great surgeon we now have a healthy 7lbs 2oz baby boy! Thank you.
Hannah M.
I appreciate everyone’s friendliness and kindness during the multiple office visits and surgery center procedure. Thank you for the good care you gave me!
P.H.
Blessing after ten year successful vasectomy reversal!
“You and your staff were wonderful! I love the relaxed and laid back atmosphere that y’all provided especially the Music! Definitely helped my anxiety. Thank you.”
Thank you back!
Dr. McHugh and his wonderful staff are without a doubt the best in the industry.
Happy result in Tennessee!
This is Shawn and Jayna Porter. We are writing to let you all know that surgery was a success and we’d like to send you all pictures of our new addition! Harper Quinn Porter.
We try to make it “fun!”
“Dr. McHugh is loads of fun. Really nice guy. Excellent staff. Easy, short, and (mostly) painless procedure. Great practice here.” D.D.
Thank you so much for the positive feedback. Enjoyed comparing “Beatles Trivia!” I hope you do well. John McHugh
Reversal success times two!
Reversal easier than the vasectomy? Thank you!
Vasectomy Reversal: 0 Sperm to 66 Million!
Thank you for the 5 Star Vasectomy Reviews.
“A beautiful gift from God”
Thankful for Dr. McHugh’s talent and the whole experience!
Dr. McHugh is very thorough and answered any questions we had prior to surgery. His team was very kind and thorough post surgery as well, following up via phone and email to be sure my husband had the best recovery he could. Our chances for conceiving were less than 50% and we just had our daughter a month before the one year mark from surgery. Leanna T. September 2022
Wonderful Addition!
Vasectomy Reversal
Thank you so much for my husband’s successful reversal that you performed in October 2021. We found out we were expecting in the beginning of January and our son was born on September 7th.
Jen and Kristafur
Our little Pumpkin!
Dr. McHugh, my husband had his vasectomy reversed 10/7/21 and we had our sweet baby girl 9/29/22!! Here’s some pictures of our beautiful girl. H.S.
Blessed vasectomy reversal success!
“Seven months after the vasectomy we were expecting our new daughter. We cannot thank the practice enough and highly recommend them!”
Atlanta, Ga Vasectomy Reversal Cost: Cutting the vas deferens in two (a vasectomy) is easier than putting it back together (a vasectomy reversal) and is indeed a horse of a different color.
Atlanta, Ga Vasectomy Reversal Cost:
Vasectomies are covered by insurance-vas reversals are not.
Because the reversal is not covered by insurance the patient sees, feels, and pays the entire expense of the procedure, the surgeon, the supplies (microscopic suture) and the facility.
The surgeon fees are relatively high because very few urologists do reversals often or often enough to do well.
Few urologists are comfortable enough to feel they can do the procedure with a high likelihood of patency (presence of sperm after a vasectomy reversal) and this in turn also limits the number of urologists willing to perform the procedure.
The identification of the vasectomy site and preparing it for the reversal is something that is comfortable to all urologists. Reanastamosing the inner tubule of the vas deferens by tying microscopic suture while looking through a microscope is not what most urologists are comfortable with and to do efficiently and effectively requires experience and a steep learning curve.
Some urologists perform the procedure in an office setting with local anesthesia and because this excludes the hospital and an anesthesiologist, these physicians are able to perform a reversal at a lower price. In other words in this setting the hospital fees, which is usually the highest cost component of any surgery, does not exist.
Some urologists work exclusively through a hospital and with general anesthesia and the fees of this physician and associated costs are the highest.
Some urologists use general anesthesia and an independent ambulatory surgery center. In this scenario the urologist pays the center for the anesthesia, materials and staffing. The fee of the urologist then is added to this for the all inclusive cost of the procedure.
Some urologists own their surgery center and use general anesthesia. In this scenario the surgeon has more options regarding costs. Owning the surgery center cuts out the middle man so to speak of a hospital or an independent surgery center and often results in a lower cumulative price but with the benefits of a hospital. The cost of a reversal in this scenario represents a blend of the most expensive hospital based procedure and the least expensive office based procedure.
Just because a surgeon charges more for a reversal doesn’t mean he or she is better qualified to perform the reversal. There may be other costs involved that the surgeon must account for in his pricing that have nothing to do with his fee for the procedure, i.e the facility, the microscope, the suture, anesthesia, and the staffing.
Because a reversal is not covered by insurance necessitates the surgeon handling all the fees associated with the procedure so that the patient only has one fee.
The above makes the reversal procedure expense noticed more because the patient must pay out of pocket.
This in turn highlights why urologists are hesitant to say they can do a reversal despite having little experience do the procedure because the patient and the doctor are both very disappointed when the procedure doesn’t work. It would be somewhat disingenuous for a doctor to charge a patient the fees, put him through a surgical procedure, knowing he has very little experience in the procedure. This thought process also limits urologists agreeing to do a reversal for concerns of doing the procedure poorly and with poor results. In other words, if you take out a ureteral stone, you have taken it out and it is gone. This is considered a good surgical result. When a reversal is done, the urologist has done the procedure then there is the hopeful expectation of a result, i.e. you just don’t remove something and you are done. With a reversal there is the procedure itself and then there are functional expectations, i.e. the presence of sperm and pregnancy.
Just with anything the due diligence and decision making is the responsibility of the patient and his family and all of the factors noted above should be taken into consideration.
Patients need to know from the start what they are getting into and that despite everything going just right there is a percentage of patients who don’t achieve pregnancy.
And this is why there is variance in the cost of a reversal and why it is harder to perform and more expensive than a vasectomy.
After a microscopic vasectomy reversal, several factors come into play that determine pregnancy. The technical aspects of the procedure must succeed. The surgeon, by experience and care to assure a watertight and tension free anastamosis, hopefully will give the patient the best chance of “having an open vas tube.”
So let’s say the reversal is perfect and sperm produced by the testicles are getting through the old vasectomy site are viable, strong, and very motile. Well then, there are the normal things that hinder pregnancy that normal couples, neither of which have had any procedure, experience.
After all this and surmounting the odds of the procedure, the testicles producing good sperm, the length of time since the reversal and the things that are sometimes difficult in pregnancy in the normal situation, pregnancy occurring is much lower percentage than the presence of sperm in the post reversal ejaculate.
This is why the couple considering a vasectomy reversal, and the attendant inconvenience and expense, need to be aware of the difference between patency and getting pregnant.
Pretty in Pink
Another happy reversal result!
Dr. McHugh is the one you should see. We HIGHLY recommend him! Thank you so much again to him and all of his staff. INCREDIBLE!
My husband asked questions ahead of time and from friends that previously had the procedure. He felt confident going in and completely comfortable during the procedure. Highly recommend them.
Twice as Nice!
With time, prayers and of course a great surgeon we now have a healthy baby boy! Thank you!
We are happy to report that we are pregnant! Thank you to all of you who participated in our care, especially Dr. McHugh. We are so pleased and excited.
My wife and I are happy to announce that we are now expecting in March of 2020. This wouldn’t be possible without Dr. McHugh and his amazing staff! Thank y’all!
Thank you!
I had my vasectomy reversal in February 2018 and my wife got pregnant in May 2018, only 3 months later! The service and attention received before, during and after the procedure was excellent. The team was very warm and super easy to work with.
Fantastic bedside manner, office and surgical staff were top notch. This coming from a nurse of 12 years. I was never nervous or uncomfortable. (Microscopic Vasectomy Reversal)
Stephen
Dr. McHugh is the best! Our family was also blessed by his surgical expertise.
Thanks for dropping by!
What a delightful surprise!
Success!
Thank you Dr. McHugh and staff!
Welcome…Ella Grace.
After extensive research, we found that the technique performed by Dr. McHugh was the best fit for us. It was the least invasive, and offered the fastest recovery. Dr. McHugh & his team delivered a high caliber of service & comfort for me, & I am extremely thankful for his practice.
Naomi was born just 12 months after having my surgery, & we couldn’t be happier with our newest addition!
Even after a miscarriage, with time, prayers and of course a great surgeon we now have a healthy 7lbs 2oz baby boy! Thank you.
Hannah M.
I appreciate everyone’s friendliness and kindness during the multiple office visits and surgery center procedure. Thank you for the good care you gave me!
P.H.
Blessing after ten year successful vasectomy reversal!
“You and your staff were wonderful! I love the relaxed and laid back atmosphere that y’all provided especially the Music! Definitely helped my anxiety. Thank you.”
Thank you back!
Dr. McHugh and his wonderful staff are without a doubt the best in the industry.
Happy result in Tennessee!
This is Shawn and Jayna Porter. We are writing to let you all know that surgery was a success and we’d like to send you all pictures of our new addition! Harper Quinn Porter.
We try to make it “fun!”
“Dr. McHugh is loads of fun. Really nice guy. Excellent staff. Easy, short, and (mostly) painless procedure. Great practice here.” D.D.
Thank you so much for the positive feedback. Enjoyed comparing “Beatles Trivia!” I hope you do well. John McHugh
Reversal success times two!
Reversal easier than the vasectomy? Thank you!
Vasectomy Reversal: 0 Sperm to 66 Million!
Thank you for the 5 Star Vasectomy Reviews.
“A beautiful gift from God”
Thankful for Dr. McHugh’s talent and the whole experience!
Dr. McHugh is very thorough and answered any questions we had prior to surgery. His team was very kind and thorough post surgery as well, following up via phone and email to be sure my husband had the best recovery he could. Our chances for conceiving were less than 50% and we just had our daughter a month before the one year mark from surgery. Leanna T. September 2022
Wonderful Addition!
Vasectomy Reversal
Thank you so much for my husband’s successful reversal that you performed in October 2021. We found out we were expecting in the beginning of January and our son was born on September 7th.
Jen and Kristafur
Our little Pumpkin!
Dr. McHugh, my husband had his vasectomy reversed 10/7/21 and we had our sweet baby girl 9/29/22!! Here’s some pictures of our beautiful girl. H.S.
Blessed vasectomy reversal success!
“Seven months after the vasectomy we were expecting our new daughter. We cannot thank the practice enough and highly recommend them!”
Mike McGinnis
2023-03-18
I can’t say enough great things about this place! 100% make sure you choose the nitrous oxide to help. Truly painless and the nitrous oxide put me at a level of peace I had never felt before.
Thanks for everything!
Michael Berliner
2023-02-16
If you’re looking for a vasectomy, look no further. There is a reason for all the five star reviews. Dr. McHugh and his team were as good as you could ask for. Very professional and took excellent care of me. 10/10 experience for something that has the potential to be very stressful.
Andrew Simmons
2023-02-13
Highly recommend Dr. McHugh. He was very thorough on explaining the procedure. His team was also very transparent on my options of paying for the procedure and what they would be.
Seth Willoughby
2023-02-06
Really glad I stumbled upon Dr.Mchugh. I have chosen him for my vasectomy.I 100% would recommend him to the highest degree for any of your urology needs.
Brianna Redding
2023-02-01
After 5 years of having a vasectomy. My husband and I wanted to give our daughter a sibling. We drove 2 hours to have Dr. McHugh and his team give us a chance at growing our family again. They were informative and the overall surgery was handled smoothly leaving us with high hopes. 7 months later and we were expecting our second daughter. We cannot thank the practice enough and highly recommend them.
JT Mc Dowell
2023-01-20
Dr was awesome, staff was all amazingly positive and easy going which made the entire experience a breeze. Even had Slipknot jamming in the room for me during the procedure which was so quick. 10/10 I would recommend anybody to them for their vasectomy needs.
Jordan Voss
2023-01-16
I had a great experience getting my reversal done here. The whole team was great and worked with me to make me feel as comfortable as possible. Dr. McHugh is very personable and is one of the most experienced doctors in the area so it was an easy choice. I would recommend to anyone who wants a vasectomy or reversal done.
Matt Dyer
2023-01-06
Dr. McHugh and his team were great, any questions that may be brought up he had an answer to. I would recommend Dr. McHugh to everyone.
Dylan McClellan
2022-12-31
Dr. John McHugh and staff were so friendly and made the whole process super simple and smooth. I will be recommending all of my friends interested in a vasectomy to come straight to him and his team. Don’t hesitate to call them first
What you can expect at a Northeast Georgia Urological Associates pre reversal consult. The podcast might also provide the stimulus for other questions and issues important to you.