Vasectomy - Surgical Techniques
Vasectomy is a simple surgical procedure that requires minimal hospitalization
Vasectomy now can be performed by various simple surgical techniques. These includes:
- Conventional vasectomy
- No scalpel vasectomy
- Percutaneous Vasectomy
Conventional vasectomy:
Vasectomy is a simple surgery in the sense that it can be performed as a day care or out-patient procedure and the patient can leave the hospital on the same day. Usually, patients are given anti-anxiety medicines one hour before the procedure. This helps the patient to relax and be more co-operative during the procedure. The procedure takes about 10 to 15 minutes. Conventional technique, a small, appropriate cut (incision) is made on skin and a segment of the vas is removed through the opening. The cut ends are then tied off using a synthetic thread (suture) or a clip (similar to a stapler pin). Use of a clip reduces the failure rates to nearly 1%. In some cases, electric current to heat the vas may also be used to block the lumen of the tube.
No-scalpel vasectomy:
A technique, that was most popular in China during 1974 has the distinct advantage of being performed quickly, is associated with reduced complication (bleeding and/or infection) and the patient experiences minimal pain (bearable) following the procedure. No scalpel (blade) is required and therefore no cuts are made. All that is required is one or two small skin punctures and hence no scar is left behind following the surgery. In addition, it can be performed in 40% less time.
Percutaneous vasectomy:
The Chinese deserve special credit for their expertise in yet another technique called as percutaneous vasectomy. The vas is blocked using a chemical mixture, containing phenol and cyanoacrylate. During the procedure, a blue dye is injected into the left vas and a red dye into the right vas. The patient is required to pass urine at the end of the procedure. The success of the procedure is determined on the basis of the urine color. If the patient voids red color urine, it means that the left tube was not ligated properly and vice versa. If brown urine passes, then both sides are completely sealed. Although the chemical mixture has been found to be non-carcinogenic (does not induce cancer), it has not been approved by the FDA for use in the U.S.
A number of studies are now being conducted to determine the suitability of using laser or high frequency ultrasound waves for vasectomy.
