A sperm granuloma? It’s good thing for a vasectomy reversal.
Ga Vasectomy Reversal: The above picture shows the vas deferens isolated and one can see the clips and a small area of swelling of the vasectomy site. If there is swelling here, a sperm granuloma, then the potential for success is higher. A sperm granuloma is a “pop-off” valve of sorts and protects the sperm producing process of the testicle.
The presence of a sperm granuloma explains why a patient 10 years out from a vasectomy might have a better chance than a patient 5 years out who doesn’t have one. This is a random occurrence and can’t be predicted who or who will not have a sperm granuloma. They are only beneficial for the vasectomy patient who is to have a reversal.
Vasectomy Reversal Success! Thirty years or so after a vasectomy. A sperm granuloma probably helped.
Vasectomies and Vasectomy Reversals are what we do!
Vasectomy reversal: What is the significance of a sperm granuloma after vasectomy!
If you look at the top right picture you’ll notice that the method used for this vasectomy was a clip. You’ll also notice that the vas to the left of the clip is larger in diameter than the vas extending below the clip. This is because the larger diameter vas is coming from the testicle and is always larger to the pressure of the sperm produced. This is the area of the vas at the time of the reversal where fluid is checked for its character and the presence or absence of sperm or sperm parts. When the testicular end is cut you almost always see fluid emanate promptly.
The presence of a sperm granuloma at the time of a vasectomy reversal is a good sign and improves the success rate by 5-10%.
This back pressure is what is felt to be responsible for post vasectomy pain syndrome. I have postulated in a previous post that the inflammatory changes around the spot of the vasectomy could also contribute to this syndrome and the pain.
Although not all urological microscopic surgeon remove the entire vasectomy site, I commonly do. I feel it is cleaner and may help with any pre-reversal symptom issues related to this area of healing/inflammation associated with the vasectomy.
