The Bryn Mawr Urology Group - A Division of Academic Urology | 919 Conestoga Road Rosemont, Pa 19010
No-Scalpel Vasectomy Sterilization Procedures
No-Scalpel Vasectomy Sterilization Procedures
The purpose of a vasectomy is to prevent the delivery of sperm during intercourse. The vas deferens is a narrow duct that carries sperm from the testicle to the point of delivery.
The surgeon locates the vas in the scrotum and then blocks sperm delivery by tying the vas and cauterizing it. This blockage prevents sperm from leaving the body. Fingers are used to gently locate the vas under the skin in the upper portion of the scrotum. Local anesthetic is injected to numb the skin and the vas area, causing a sensation that most patients describe as similar to a small mosquito bite. Numbing is achieved within 10 seconds. Very little, if any, discomfort is felt while making a tiny puncture in the scrotum and inserting a hemostat. Using special equipment, the vas is then drawn out through the puncture, divided and tied off. No stitches are needed to close the small wound.
Advantages Of This NO-Scalpel Procedure
Your vasectomy will be performed in our office and will take only 5-10 minutes to complete. Following the procedure, the person who accompanied you may drive you home so that you can recover in the familiar comfort of your own home. Benefits of the no-scalpel procedure versus a traditional procedure are:
- Usually requires less time to perform
- Less traumatic to the tissues
- Less discomfort during and following the procedure
- Less bleeding
- Less risk of infection
- No stitches
- A single, small puncture entry – no incision!
Post Op – Often patients are surprised by how quickly and easily they recover.
Ice packs can alleviate any immediate discomfort, and an athletic supporter may be worn as needed. You may return to work after two days, and to full activity within a week; for this reason, you may find Friday afternoon a convenient time to schedule the procedure.
Vasectomies are A Safe Procedure
Vasectomies have long been regarded as much safer and simpler procedures than comparable sterilization procedures for women. The no-scalpel vasectomy is, in fact, somewhat safer than traditional vasectomies because of all the advantages listed above.
Vasectomy is a Very Effective Procedure
As with any vasectomy, the rate of success is greater than 99%. After a vasectomy, sterilization is not instantaneous. Sperm cells which have already traveled up the vas before the operation will be stored at the upper end of the vas near the prostate gland. You will not be considered sterile until the stored sperm is passed. The staff will help you arrange to have your seminal fluid checked after 20 – 25 ejaculations. You should continue to use another form of contraception until two specimens are found to be sperm free. At this point, it is safe to assume that you are sterile.
Sterilization
A vasectomy should be considered as permanent sterilization. Reversals are possible, though a successful outcome cannot be guaranteed. We encourage patients to consider their needs carefully before electing sterilization; if a reversal is desired, we will be happy to discuss and perform the necessary surgery.