Vasectomy
Deferentectomy,
also known as a vasectomy is a method of contraception
in which a man has a minor outpatient surgical procedure
where numbing (local anesthetic) of the scrotum followed
by 1 or 2 very small incisions are made, allowing a surgeon
to gain access to the vas deferens (often called the "tubes").
The tubes are cut and sealed by tying, stitching, cauterization
(burning), or otherwise clamped to prevent sperm from
entering the seminal stream.
Currently in practice, there
are 4 variations of a vasectomy. Note, that the newer
methods may reduce recovery time, while alleviating post-surgery
pain. Ask your doctor which procedure would be best for
you.
1. A Scalpel Vasectomy is the most traditional and still
in use.
2. A No-Scalpel vasectomy (coined Key-Hole), in which
a sharp hemostat (clamp, forceps), rather than a scalpel,
is used to puncture the scrotum. It may reduce healing
times as well as lower the chance of infection from incision.
3. An "Open-Ended" vasectomy obstructs or seals
one end only of the tubes, which allows continued streaming
of sperm (by virtue of the un-sealed vas-deferens) into
the scrotum.
4. A "Vas-Clip" vasectomy does not require cutting
the tubes, but rather uses a clip to squeeze shut the
flow of sperm. This method may facilitate a better
chance/outlook for reversal, as well as reduced
pain (post-procedure). Overall contraception success rate
is lower than traditional methods.
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