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LODDIE F. ROEDER, JR., M.D.
Vasectomy Reversal
POST OPERATIVE INSTRUCTIONS
- Call Dr. Roeder if you have any concerns. You may e-mail with any questions, however, please don’t wait for a return e-mail if you are having any problems.
- Pain Medication: We will offer TYLENOL, if appropriate for you. Please avoid ibuprofen (and similar drugs like NUPREN, MEDIPREN, RUFEN, MOTRIN), ALEVE (and similar drugs as NAPROSYN), ORUDIS, and ASPIRIN. These may cause more bleeding. Our suggestion: TYLENOL, 2 tabs every 4 hours as needed for pain.
- You may take a shower immediately after surgery. Do not submerge (take a bath or get into a swimming pool or a hot tub) until 24 hours after all the stitches are out.
- The outside stitches will dissolve between 15-20 days. However, you can remove them after 1 week if they are irritating. If they fall out at any time, this is NOT a problem. If the stitches should come out early, the wound may gape open. This is NOT a cause for concern, and it usually heals on its own without additional stitches or the need for any type of tape, which may cause an infection.
- Bleeding will occur for 36 to 48 hours after surgery. There is the possibility of very light bleeding for 2 weeks. The use of any dressing is to keep the blood off of your clothing. You do not need to use sterile gauze. You may use paper napkins, paper towels, gauze, kleenex or bathroom tissue. Wear a dressing until you are sure there is no more bleeding. Bleeding should never be heavy, so please call if it is.
- The purpose of the snug fitting brief underwear or an athletic supporter is to hold the bandages next to the scrotum to keep blood off your clothing. You do not need to wear this support after 48 hours if you do not want to. Wear what is most comfortable for you. The doctor may or may not recommend you use an athletic supporter for a time.
- There will be some swelling and bruising after surgery. Bruising may extend up the shaft of the penis. This is normal. You may use an ice pack if you desire (a bag of frozen peas often molds to the area well and can be easily reused). Apply the ice pack on 10 minutes, off 20 minutes, on 10 minutes, etc. for the first several days. If you are concerned about the amount of swelling, call Dr. Roeder.
- Infection is rare. However, call Dr. Roeder if redness, swelling, tenderness, or oozing of pus from the incision occurs. If you develop fever call Dr. Roeder immediately.
- It is very important to limit your physical activity after the procedure, especially the first day. Normally, you will feel like going back to work within a week. However, there is considerable variability concerning this, and some return to work after only a few days. Return to LIGHT activity as you feel able. Do not do anything strenuous for 4 weeks.
Restrictions for Vasectomy Reversals
- No sexual activity for 21 days
- No lifting, pulling, tugging, shoving, dragging anything over 10 to 15 pounds for 3 to 4 weeks. Also, no exercise routines, running, or sports for 28 days.
- Do NOT use Neosporin or any ointments or creams on the wound.
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