VasectomyOverview, Preparation, Procedure, No-Scalpel |
Physician developed and monitored. Original Date of Publication: 15 Jun 1998
|
|
Original Source: http://www.urologychannel.com/vasectomy/index.shtml Important Facts
| |
|
Home » Vasectomy » Overview, Preparation, Procedure, No-Scalpel | 
 |
Vasectomy is a minor surgical procedure to cut and close off the tubes (vas deferens) that deliver sperm from the testes; it is usually performed as a means of contraception. The procedure typically takes from 15–30 minutes and usually causes few complications and no change in sexual function.
About 500,000 vasectomies are performed annually in the United States. A vasectomy is less invasive than a tubal ligation (i.e., the procedure used to prevent a woman's eggs from reaching the uterus) and more easily reversed. An increasing number of couples choose it as a means of permanent birth control.
Male Reproductive System
To understand a vasectomy, it is helpful to understand the male reproductive system and how it functions. The testicles, or testes, are the sperm- and testosterone-producing organs. They are located in a sac at the base of the penis called the scrotum. Each testicle is connected to a small, coiled tube called the epididymis, where sperm are stored for as long as 6 weeks while they mature. The epididymes are connected to the prostate gland by a pair of tubes called the vas deferens.
The vas deferens are part of a larger bundle of tissue, blood vessels, nerves, and lymphatic channels called the spermatic cord. During ejaculation, seminal fluid produced by the prostate gland mixes with sperm from the testes to form semen, which is ejaculated from the penis.
Preparations that may be required prior to undergoing vasectomy include the following:
- Avoid anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen and aspirin for 2 weeks prior to the procedure. (These medications "thin" the blood and can cause excessive bleeding.)
- Wash the scrotum to help prevent infection. (Most urologists also instruct patients to shave the front of the scrotum; please check with your doctor.)
- Bring a pair of tight-fitting underwear or athletic supporter to support the scrotum and minimize swelling.
- Arrange for a ride home to minimize exertion and movement that can exacerbate swelling.
A urologist performs a vasectomy on an outpatient basis, usually in the office. The procedure takes about 15–30 minutes. The patient typically remains clothed from the waist up and lies on his back. The scrotum is numbed with one or more injections of local anesthetic (lidocaine), the vas deferens is gathered under the skin of the scrotum, and a small incision (usually 1 centimeter or less) is made. The vas deferens is then pulled through the incision, cut in two places, and a 1-centimeter segment is removed. Each end of the vas deferens is surgically tied off or clipped, and placed back in the scrotum. The incision is sutured and the procedure is repeated on the other side of the scrotum. Some urologists cauterize the ends of the vas deferens, but others find that cauterization complicates reversal and is unnecessary. The incisions are dressed and most men go home immediately after the procedure.
No-scalpel Vasectomy
In the no-scalpel vasectomy, a surgical clamp is used to hold the vas deferens while a puncture incision (instead of a cut) is made with special forceps. The forceps are opened to stretch the skin, making a small hole through which the vas deferens is lifted out, cut, sutured or cauterized, and put back in place. The puncture incision does not require suturing. Some urologists recommend the no-scalpel method because they find it is quicker and minimizes postoperative discomfort and the risk for bleeding and infection. Recently, as encouraging studies are reported, more vasectomies are being performed using this approach.
Because the vas deferens is not cut or cauterized, Vasclip may result in a shorter recovery time and fewer complications (e.g., swelling, inflammation, infection) than traditional vasectomy. This procedure has not been shown to be more effective than traditional vasectomy, and in many cases, the device is not covered by insurance. Statistics on reversal are not yet available, and the procedure should be considered permanent.
Vasectomy (continued...)
|
|
Browser Comments
|
Vasectomy Resources
 | Join Our Vasectomy Forum
Do you have a question, want to share medical advice, or just need to discuss your situation with someone else having a similar experience? The healthchannels forum is a resource for everyone to share and discuss their health and medical needs with others. |
|
|
 | Living with...Share your story
Do you have a personal health story that you would like to share with others? As a source of free patient education, our goal is to provide our users with trustworthy information and support from others. That's why we've started our "Living with..." sections. | ||
|
Our "Living With..." support pages are a place to share experiences about living with a certain condition, disease, disorder, or illness and for loved ones of those dealing with health-related issues. Many people, especially when newly diagnosed, find comfort in knowing that others are having a similar experience. | |||
 | Stay Updated
Sign up for our newsletter and receive important updates on the medical conditions that are most important to you. | ||
To quickly access health information from your website's browser,
| |||
