No-Needle & No-Scalpel Vasectomy
The No-Needle, No-Scalpel Vasectomy and Other Vasectomy Surgery Options
A vasectomy is a popular and affordable procedure that provides continuous protection from potential pregnancies. It is one of the most reliable and cost-effective methods of birth control, with many different types of vasectomy procedures available. Dr. Bastuba recommends the cutting-edge no-needle, no-scalpel vasectomy. This minimally invasive procedure is less painful than a traditional vasectomy and has a faster recovery time. Learn the advantages and disadvantages of various vasectomy surgery techniques:
What is a No-Needle Vasectomy?
Receiving local anesthesia before the vasectomy can sometimes cause the most anxiety for men. During a no-needle vasectomy, the local anesthetic is delivered via a "hypospray" which numbs the operating area instantly without a painful needle injection. Hypospray is a common anesthesia used for many dental procedures. With much less discomfort, faster recovery and few complications associated with the no-needle vasectomy, this method is very popular among the patients at Male Fertility & Sexual Medicine Specialists.
What is a No-Scalpel Vasectomy?
A no-scalpel vasectomy is a minimally invasive technique which requires no sutures or stitches. Prior to the vasectomy surgery the vas deferens on each side of the scrotum are located. A tiny opening is then created to gently lift the vas deferens out to be cut, tied and put back. Immediate post-op patient care includes a follow-up consultation to evaluate the healing process at approximately one week. A semen analysis will be performed after 4 weeks to test for active sperm.
Advantages of No-Scalpel Vasectomy
This vasectomy technique has the least amount of associated complications such as bruising and scarring. It also reduces discomfort both during and after the vasectomy procedure with recovery time up to fifty percent faster than a traditional vasectomy. The typical operating time of a no-scalpel vasectomy is very short at just about ten minutes.
No-Scalpel vs. Traditional Vasectomy
In a traditional vasectomy, the surgeon uses a scalpel to cut one or two incisions in the scrotum to expose the vas deferens tubes from both testicles. The vas deferens are cut, tied, returned to the scrotum and both ends of the vas deferens are closed with stitches. In a no-scalpel vasectomy only one incision is made and a scalpel is not used to cut the genitals open, a tiny puncture is made instead. The hole is so small that no stitches or sutures are needed. A no-scalpel vasectomy is typically less painful, less risky and has faster recovery times when compared to a traditional vasectomy. A “normal” or “traditional” vasectomy can have complications such as antibodies, bruising, swelling, epididymitis, and infection. Dr. Bastuba does not recommend this technique to his patients.
Below are two additional types of vasectomy procedures available. Dr. Bastuba does not offer these due to lower success rates and unnecessary additional costs.
Instead of cutting the vas deferens, a clip is used to squeeze the vas deferens shut and stop sperm from flowing. Statistics show that the success rate for a VasClip is lower than other vasectomy methods. Additionally, using a clip does not mean that vasectomy reversals are more likely to be successful.
During a laser vasectomy, an incision is made by the surgeon with a scalpel to expose the vas deferens. Once the vas deferens have been exposed, the laser can be used as a cutting device. Using a laser is unnecessary in this situation because it does not offer improved success rates. It does increase the patient's expense.
What Type of Vasectomy Should I Have?
This is a personal choice that should be evaluated carefully. After performing thousands of surgical procedures, Dr. Bastuba believes that a combination of the no-needle, no-scalpel vasectomy offers the most benefits to his patients. This vasectomy surgery is the least painful, has fewer complications and faster recovery times than other methods available. Each patient should consult with a physician about their unique medical situation before making a decision.
