Complications & Risks
Any surgical procedure has an element of risk attached to it and occasionally things do not turn out as well as expected. Fortunately, the complications are uncommon.
- A little soreness and bruising are usual.
- Wound haematoma (discrete painful collection of blood) or infection (painful red, hot wound +- a fever) do occasionally occur and may necessitate further treatment with drainage of the blood collection or antibiotics. These complications can occur in up to 5% of cases. Therefore you should report excessive discomfort or wound problem to your doctor.
- Granuloma– This is uncommon and consists of a tender lump at the end of the vas and is usually noticed several months after the operation. This is caused by a leak of sperm. It normally settles spontaneously. If persistent, it can be removed surgically.
- Slight swelling of the testis may occur. This resolves spontaneously but may take several weeks.
- Positive test at 7 months- Some men can have persistent but very small number of sperm, which are not motile. This is determined through a fresh semen analysis. In this case, we will issue you with a letter of ‘special clearance’. Although pregnancy is not known to occur, the risk is not zero.
- Post vasectomy pain syndrome– A rare complication- pain may be experienced continually or intermittently for months or even years after. It may be very troublesome and occasionally require a further surgical procedure or vasectomy reversal. It is not possible to predict who might get it.
WHERE TO GET ADVICE
If you have any concerns during your post-op period, you can get advice or help from one of these sources.
- Contact our surgical team on 01726 885104 during office hours.
- Your own doctor or nurse if it is easier for you.
- Out of hours GP service- contact 111 or the OOH number provided by your surgery
- Your local emergency department
