News

Robotic Vasectomy Repair

Dec 06, 2018

Men choosing to undergo a vasectomy reversal can now have the delicate operation performed robotically – for the first time in South East Queensland.

A vasectomy reversal is performed to re-enable reproduction. It involves re-joining the ends of a man’s sperm carrying tubes – the vas deferens – which were cut and sealed during his vasectomy.

Urologists Dr Greg Malone and Dr Glen Wood jointly accomplished the first procedure at Greenslopes Private Hospital.

The two Brisbane Urology Clinic surgeons have now successfully launched a Robotic Vasectomy Reversal Program using the da Vinci Xi surgical system.

Dr Malone said, “This technology offers some major advantages for this type of procedure from a technical point of view. The da Vinci Xi robot allows greater dexterity and overcomes the challenge of naturally-occurring hand tremors of the surgeon.”

Dr Wood said, “The combination of magnification and depth of focus afforded by the robot is superior to the microscope used in conventional techniques. The robot maintains focus during the delicate suturing when the ends of the vas are moving, whereas conventional microscopes often lead to loss of focus.”

“Robotic vasectomy reversal is a day procedure performed under a general anaesthetic. It’s typically a viable option for men who have had a vasectomy within the past 8-10 years,” said Dr Malone.

The rate of success for each operation depends largely on the age of the patient and the amount of time which has lapsed since the vasectomy was initially performed.

Following the establishment of equipment, technique and instrumentation requirements, this new type of robotic surgery has already been performed several times since launching at Greenslopes Private Hospital.

Urologists Dr Greg Malone and Dr Glen Wood