January 24, 2019
Vasectomies have been quite a simple process for the most part since doctors started doing them. With a needle and scalpel, a doctor could get the job done and you were on your way home shortly after. Today, the technology has changed in such a way that doctors can now perform the same surgery without the use of a needle or even a scalpel. The No-Needle No-Scalpel procedure does the same thing as the other surgery in that it interrupts the flow of sperm which is the main desire for those that are seeking the surgery. At the end of the day, the procedure is really just a permanent form of male contraception, which has no effect on the sexual function. With the new procedure, the same outcome comes with the use of a puncture to the scrotum and requires no stitches when completed.
Even though the surgery is quite simple already the new procedure does have its benefits. With the older process, there was more pain and discomfort because the doctor was cutting the skin and the vas deferens with a knife to complete the process. Going ahead without those two parts of the procedure, the patient is going to feel more comfortable at the end and will have fewer complications afterwards, according to doctors that are currently doing the procedure. The main difference between the two types of procedures is that there is no cutting. With a No Needle No Scalpel vasectomy, the scrotum is punctured and that hole actually seals itself when the procedure is completed. The needle is replaced with an anesthetic spray and that is applied to the skin and the vas deferens during the procedure. Knowing that there is less cutting involved more men might be inclined to go with this surgery compared to the older version.
The benefits of going with the No Needle No Scalpel Vasectomy include less bleeding, up to 10 percent less according to the numbers seen so far. With the old surgery about 3 percent of patients saw bleeding, while now that has dropped to less than 0.3 percent. The infection rate is also quite a bit less with the new procedure. With the old surgery, infection was seen in about 1.4 percent of the patients afterwards, but that has been reduced to about 0.1 percent of men opting for the No Needle No Scalpel surgery. The main benefit of the new type of surgery is that it is faster because the doctor does not have to stitch anything up at the end. Because the puncture is only 3mm in size, it will close on its own. This also increases the rate at which the patient heals once completed.
Just like with any procedure, there are some risks involved. The good news is that with the No Needle No Scalpel procedure, there are no additional risks that are not already seen with the current procedure. There is risk of a hematoma and infection with both options, but with the no scalpel option, the risk of both is much less. Just like with all vasectomy procedures, they are not guaranteed to be 100 percent effective, however, the failure rates are less than .5 percent. That .5 percent equates to about 1 in 500 on the short term side and about 1 in 4500 on the long term side. Because the procedure is so quick, about 30 minutes in most cases, patients have to be reminded that they will still feel discomfort in the area for about 2 to 3 days. Bruising in the area will last about one week and a feeling of heaviness in the testes could be felt for about 2 to 3 weeks.
The No Needle No Scalpel procedure does seem like the best option for those that need to get a vasectomy anyways. The recovery time is shorter, the risks are less and the surgery can be completed rather quickly. Because it is a new procedure, finding a doctor that can do it might be a task, but as more get used to doing it that will change. Just like with any surgery, consult your doctor before going forward to make sure it is the right option for you.
We also offer Nitrous Oxide as a means of ease and care for our patients during this procedure.