Vasovasostomy was performed in rabbits that had been vasectomized or had the vas occluded by a tantalum clip for 6 or 15 months. Vasovasostomy restored fertility to 40-50% in vasectomized rabbits and 60-70% in the tantalum clip-occluded animals. Any changes that occurred due to vasectomy and tantalum clip occlusion (e.g. testicular weight, enzyme concentrations in the testis) returned to normal within 3-6 months of vasovasostomy. We suggest that vas occlusion with tantalum clips is a good method of surgical male sterilization and has a high success rate for restoration of fertility.