Vasectomy Procedures and How They Differ
One of the decisions a man faces when the choice has been made to have a permanent birth control procedure performed on him is which method to select from: the traditional vasectomy, the no-scalpel method, the clip vasectomy and also the laser vasectomy.
His one staple is the fact that his anesthesia will be local as it is for all types of vasectomies. The usual method of delivery for this local anesthesia is usually by injection (a needle). Some doctor now have available to them a “no needle” device in which to apply the anesthesia. The no needle device uses a “jet injection” spray. This is a well-established mode of transmitting anesthesia, which has been used in dentistry to delivery local anesthesia for a while and is a painless or almost painless way of injecting the anesthesia. Not many doctors who do vasectomies have the jet injection device available to them as it is relatively new as a way of delivering anesthesia for vasectomies, but it doesn’t hurt to ask if your doctor has it available.
The traditional vasectomy:
The traditional vasectomy is considered minor surgery and is usually performed in a doctor’s office, medical clinic or hospital on an outpatient basis. Local anesthetic is used. The entire procedure should last no longer than 30 minutes. An incision is made on either side of the scrotum and the vas deferens are pulled out of the incision, cut and then either cauterized, cut or tied. The vas deferens is then returned to the scrotum and the incision is either stitched or left to heal naturally. If stitched it usually takes 3 to 4 sutures to close each hole.
The No-Scalpel vasectomy:
Dr. Li Shunqiang in China developed the No-Scalpel vasectomy in the early 1970s. This technique is used worldwide to the tune of approximately 15 million vasectomies done the no-scalpel way.
Special instruments are used to make the hole on either side of the scrotum and the vas deferens are pulled out and cut, clipped or tied much as they are in the traditional vasectomy. The puncture holes are smaller than the incision of the traditional vasectomy and usually do not require stitches. Local anesthetic is used to allow the patient to be comfortable during the procedure.
The Laser Vasectomy:
There is no significant advantage to using a laser in the performance of a vasectomy as the vas deference’s still need to be reached so a hole still needs to be made in either side of the scrotum.
The traditional and the No-Scalpel vasectomies are equally effective and a local anesthetic is used no matter which method is selected.
The no needle anesthetic technique helps to reduce anxiety and pain for those men who do not like needles.
As in any surgery, no matter how minor, a discussion with your doctor should take place before the surgery to discuss all the details and to answer any questions.
Possibly related posts:
