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Vasovasostomy (VV) and Vasoepididymostomy (VE)—What’s the Difference? 10 Dec

A vasectomy is a procedure that prevents sperm from entering semen by cutting the vas deferens. Although a vasectomy is considered permanent birth control for men who don’t want a future pregnancy, a vasectomy reversal is a surgical procedure that allows a change of mind. There are two separate procedures that might be involved in a vasectomy reversal, the vasovasostomy and the vasoepididymostomy.

What Is a Vasovasostomy?

The VV procedure is the true vasectomy reversal. In this procedure, a small incision is made in the scrotum near the site of the original vasectomy. The ends of the vas deferens are revealed and surgically reconnected to restore the path of the sperm. This surgery is done under local anesthesia. It takes around four hours in the doctor’s office to complete the VV.

What Is a Vasoepididymostomy?

The VE procedure is a more technical procedure that treats obstruction of the epididymis. Sperm travels from the testis to the epididymis to acquire the ability to swim, then they go to the vas deferens to enter semen. After a vasectomy, the epididymis can become blocked or scarred. This obstruction prevents the passage of sperm. The longer it has been since the vasectomy, the higher the risk of blockage in the epididymis. The VE procedure has a longer recovery time than the VV, because a larger incision must be made, but the VE is a procedure that should be done in conjunction with the VV.

Do You Need One or Both Procedures?

The VV will not be successful if there is blockage in the epididymis, but there isn’t a good way to determine if you need a VE in conjunction with the VV before the procedure. A physical exam and assessment of your original vasectomy can help tell the doctor if a VE may be necessary.

Get a consultation for a vasectomy reversal when you make an appointment with Dr. Bercier in Ottawa, Montreal or Hawkesbury.

Tags:

Vasoepididymostomy, Vasovasostomy

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Dr. Weiss & Dr. Bercier Vasectomy, Circumcision And Vasovasostomy

4.9

Based on 226 reviews

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Rob Carter

21:19 02 Aug 23

Had my vasectomy performed by Dr Dumais, who has taken over for Dr Weiss who has since retired. She was absolutely excellent. Great bedside manner, clear explanations of what was happening and any potential discomfort that might be felt during each step. Entire procedure from freezing to finish took under 10 minutes.Before beginning Dr Bercier confirmed my age (31), that I had no children, and that I was 100% certain I never wanted to have any (and that my partner felt the same way). She reiterated that while surgical reversal is sometimes possible, the procedure should be considered permanent.Nurses/office staff were friendly and efficient. Got up from the table a bit too quick and ended up sitting down in the chair and fainting. They were right on top of things and immediately went into their usual routine for when those things happen. We had a little chuckle about it, and at no point did it feel weird or judgemental which I very much appreciated.A couple of other notes based on some things mentioned in a few other reviews here:- Total out of pocket fees are $170, consisting of a $20 deposit and $150 on the day of the procedure. Those costs are detailed in the attached photo of the “Pre and Post Vasectomy Kit”. As detailed on the page patients can choose to pay only for the specific items/services they want, and they also give you a week post-procedure to request a refund and pay only for the needed items. This information is not provided anywhere before going in, so most will just pay the $170 and be done with it. While some of these costs are certainly quite highly inflated, they do help make up for the fairly minimal compensation the clinic receives from OHIP for each procedure.- Website is a bit of a mess, although most of the important bits are easy to find (and all the most important info is attached to the emails you’ll get). Specifically one thing they have changed is that you do *not* need to travel to the office to pick up your vasectomy package before the procedure! You are given it after your appointment just before leaving.- To the few complaining about pain/discomfort lasting more than the first week and “not being made aware of the risks”… did you not bother to fully read through the documentation available both on the website as well as repeatedly sent to you in the emails? All of the risks and rates of various complications are explicitly laid out in advance. Every body is different, and there is a small chance of a variety of complications. Choosing to ignore the provided information and then complaining that you wouldn’t have gone through with it if you knew is just ridiculous.One last recommendation for the doctors here: I highly recommend investing the few thousand dollars towards having a professional web design company re-build you a new website from the ground up. The current site is a mess, particularly on modern phones, and this is something that will radically improve the patient experience.

Gaignun Kukai

03:43 18 Jul 23

Dr. Valerie Dumois did my vasectomy, and she was really quite kind willing to answer questions. It was for the most part painless and the pain you feel is minimal. Reception was also pretty great they answered all my questions to male sire I heal properly. Was great meeting them all and doing it the modern way or a scalpel and needle is definitely in every males favour. Thank you so much for being such great people

Garlic Jr.

18:19 06 Jul 23

Half an hour to my appointment they told me to wait outside(35 degrees celcius) until exactly my appointment. Dr. Bercier if you can call him a doctor had the most rude and disrespectful attitude I've had from a doctor. I asked him three questions to which he said he didn't care. During the procedure I simply asked how long does it take and he replied with "How long do you think it takes? Did you see me with the other patients?" I think his attitude was racially motivated because I'm not French. Don't come here! Go somewhere else!

Bongo

19:58 19 Jun 23

Great clinic, 5 stars all around. Leading up to the appointment they provide you with fantastic information that explains everything in detail. Great communication, super organized, friendly and professional. Everyone from reception, to the nurse, to the doctor - all were pleasant, efficient, and professional. It was a huge piece of mind. The doctor played my choice of music during the procedure. It was practically painless, with only minor discomfort for a brief moment, and it was quick. I am now recovering comfortably with very detailed instructions about how to enhance my recovery. Thank you Dr. Weiss and Dr. Bercier! Highly recommend.

Louis Kearns

16:14 28 Apr 23

Marc Bourgon

17:45 11 May 22

The process of getting my vasectomy was quite efficient. From walking in the office door to sitting down in my car again was only 20 minutes. The staff was very friendly in greeting you and providing instructions and Dr. Bercier was pleasant to deal with, friendly and gentle. Dare I say the experience was enjoyable! Any trepidation one has about the procedure, don’t worry! Thanks to all.