The procedure: Dr. Cannon is one of the first doctors to perform the minimally invasive microscopic no-scalpel vasectomy reversal. He has been using this technique since 1993. This approach provides success with less discomfort and reduced recovery time with no stitches needed. The success rate of return of sperm to semen is estimated to be at least as good as expectations in published results: 90% success if vasectomy less than five years ago and 50% if more than 10.*
An additional option is to obtain a 1cm sample of testicular tissue for sperm extraction at the time of reversal surgery and requires coordination with a sperm bank to do microscopic harvesting and freezing. This option would allow for the future option of in vitro fertilization should the reversal not result in a natural pregnancy. A consultation with the sperm bank specialist physician needs to be arranged prior to the vasectomy reversal for this option.**
Where the procedure is done: Dr. Cannon does his vasectomy reversals at the Westfall Surgery Center with general anesthesia(http://www.westfallsurgery.com). The procedure can usually be scheduled within a month or so of request. The timing is dependent upon schedule availability of Dr. Cannon, the surgery center and you. The surgery can often scheduled for a Friday morning.
Expected recovery time line: No heavy lifting or strenuous activity or sex for two weeks. You can expect to return to work after 3 days if doing a desk job and otherwise can plan to return to work after two weeks if your job involves active physical work.
Fertility after the procedure: You are potentially fertile anytime following the procedure. A semen sample can be arranged to be checked after three months and again after 6 months if desired. If showing good results after 6 months, the tubes should remain open. Pregnancy usually takes 3 months or longer following the reversal surgery.
Costs: Most insurances do not cover the vasectomy reversal. The CPT code we bill is 55400. Your insurance will need that number to give you an answer of if they cover this procedure. The following is an estimate of the self pay cost of the surgical procedure called Microscope assisted Bilateral Vasovasostomy for the restoration of fertility.
Total estimate $3183($3131.00 if Dr.Cannon paid by check or cash):
Surgeon $ 1352($1300 by check or cash); Anesthesiologist $715 ; Westfall Surgery Center $1116
A non-refundable $416($400 if paid by check) deposit is required before your surgery will be scheduled. The $936($900 if paid by check) remaining surgeon’s fee is to be paid to Dr. Cannon by 48 hours prior to the procedure. Arrangements for pre-payment of the ambulatory care center and the anesthesiologist will be discussed with each entity once the procedure is scheduled.
Setting up a consultation: A vasectomy reversal starts with a consult. If you live more than 60 miles away, a phone consultation may be arranged. Please call the office at 244-8110 if interested in setting up a consultation. Often your insurance will cover the charges for this but not in all cases.
Important note: It is the practice’s policy to only provide vasectomy reversals for married couples.
*Please inform Dr. Cannon's office of your subsequent pregnancy and we will send you a celebratory pregnancy t-shirt!
**If choosing to add on the sperm extraction/testicular biopsy procedure there is an additional charge of $208($200 if paid by check) to Dr. Cannon and $71 to Westfall Surgery Center and there are additional charges for the sperm bank. We work with Jamil M. Mroueh, MD of Rochester Fertility Care phone 453-7760. On 4/27/17, Dr. Mroueh office gave estimates of cost if no insurance: Consultation $275 and cost of storage $600 ($100 reimbursement if nothing to store). Then if choosing to do IVF: per IVF cycle $8500 (ins may cover some depending on diagnosis) plus cost of medications $1500.
