Urology

June 13, 2023

Vasectomy reversal is arguably one of the most technically challenging procedures in urology. In 2015, the surgeons at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, began performing this procedure in the clinic setting to increase convenience, efficiency and cost-effectiveness for patients.

The Urology Men's Health team at Mayo Clinic, which is the only academic medical center performing this procedure in the office setting, recently marked its 350th in-office vasectomy reversal. The team developed a streamlined process for patients to explore their options online through written materials and patient education videos. Patients can choose to schedule an in-person appointment or a virtual visit or proceed directly to surgery.

Sevann Helo, M.D., a urologist and male infertility expert at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, comments on the ease of this process: "Our patients are busy working professionals, and we have made every effort to simplify this process by giving patients the option of a consultation or schedule surgery directly. This saves patients time and money.

"I've created a series of videos for patients to view on our website that will give them all the information typically provided during a consultation, including cost of the procedure. The fact that our team has performed over 350 vasectomy reversals in the office is a testament to the highly skilled team I am fortunate enough to work with. We operate like a well-oiled machine."

In 2021, the Men's Health practice acquired a new operating microscope that the team uses for the procedure, called the Olympus Orbeye, which is a 4K 3D orbital camera system. The Orbeye provides crystal clear 3D images that are projected on a flat screen, which obviates the need for a traditional eyepiece microscope. In addition to the improved ergonomics, the Orbeye provides incredible image resolution and magnification. The team recently completed its 100th case with the Orbeye microscope.

When asked about how the Orbeye has changed the practice, Dr. Helo states: "The Orbeye is a game changer. The image quality is incredible. The operating microscope is particularly helpful when we're performing a more complex vasoepididymostomy in which the tubules may only be a millimeter in diameter."

For more information

Refer a patient to Mayo Clinic.