What is Vasectomy surgery?
A vasectomy is a surgical procedure for the sterilization of males or permanent birth control. During the procedure, the vas deferens- the tubes that carry sperm from the testicles- are cut or blocked to prevent sperm from mixing with semen.
After a successful vasectomy, a male can still ejaculate semen, but it will not contain sperm and therefore cannot lead to pregnancy.
Types of Vasectomy
There are two primary types of vasectomy procedures
The conventional incision method is where the surgeon makes one or two small incisions in the scrotum to access the vas deferens. A small section of each tube is removed, and the ends are tied, clipped, or cauterized, which is sealed with heat. The incision is then closed with dissolvable stitches or surgical glue.
In the no-scalpel method (NSV), the surgeon feels for the vas deferens through the skin and then uses a special instrument to make a tiny puncture, rather than an incision. The tubes are then sealed, leading to less bleeding, a smaller wound, and a faster recovery.
Also, there are differences in how a surgeon will perform one of the two techniques to close the vas deferens
Closed-ended vasectomy is where the end of the vas deferens, which leads from the testicle, is sealed with sutures, clips, or cautery. This blocks the path of sperm from entering the vas deferens.
An open-ended vasectomy is where the vas deferens, leading from the testicle, is left open, allowing sperm to continue to be released into the scrotum, where they are naturally absorbed by the body. The other end of the vas deferens, the side that leads to the penis, is sealed. This is usually accompanied by fascial interposition, where a layer of tissue is placed over the sealed end to prevent the tubes from rejoining. This method is associated with a low rate of post-vasectomy pain and increases the chances of success if a vasectomy reversal is very desired.
| Procedure Name | Vasectomy |
|---|---|
| Type of Surgery | Minor surgery |
| Type of Anesthesia | Local Anesthesia |
| Procedure Duration | 15-30 minutes |
| Recovery Duration | 1-2 weeks |
Vasectomy: Pre-Op & Post-Op Care
The procedure for Vasectomy surgery is divided into three different phases: pre-operative phase, intra-operative phase, and post-operative phase. These phases are designed to make sure of patient safety, accuracy of procedure, and optimal recovery. The pre-operative stage is examining the patient and making them ready for surgery, which is followed by the surgical procedure itself during the intraoperative stage, and finally the post-operative stage, where the patient returns to normal activities after surgery becomes an essential objective.
Pre-operative care: Preparation before the procedure
Before the procedure of vasectomy, careful preparation helps make sure that it is safe and effective. The pre-operative care objective is to reduce the number of complications, namely bleeding or infection. This phase includes management of medications, hygiene measures, and instructions from the specialist to the patient during and after the surgery.
Avoid aspirin and aspirin-like medicines like ibuprofen and naproxen for 48 hours before a vasectomy, to reduce the risk of bleeding. The patient should discuss all medications with the doctor, especially blood-thinning medicines like clopidogrel or warfarin.
Patients can then trim or shave scrotal hair before the appointment to improve hygiene, while wearing comfortable, loose clothing and supportive undergarments for comfort after the procedure. During the pre-surgery stage, the patient should arrange for someone to drive home if anti-anxiety medication or sedition is given. Patients should also shower thoroughly before the procedure.
Intra-operative care: The Vasectomy Procedure
Vasectomy is performed under local anesthesia with a small needle or no-needle technique. The surgeon makes one or two small incisions or punctures in the scrotum. The vas deferens tubes are then identified, cut, and sealed by ligating, cauterizing, or clipping.
The vasectomy procedure is usually a 15-30 minute surgery. After that, the incisions are closed by stitches or left to heal in case of the puncture technique.
Post-operative care: The recovery
The patient should rest with the scrotum elevated and then apply intermittent cold compresses on the first day after surgery to reduce swelling, strictly avoiding heavy activities like lifting heavy weights and sexual intercourse for 7-10 days.
The patient should take the pain medications as advised, but avoid anti-inflammatory drugs for the first 48 hours after surgery. The patients can resume showering after 48 hours, but swimming should be strictly avoided.
The patient should follow up with a semen analysis to confirm sterility, as it can take months for the system to be completely clear of sperm.
Benefits of Vasectomy at Yashoda Hospitals
A vasectomy is a permanent and highly effective form of birth control that offers greater benefits, including great sexual spontaneity, reduced financial and health burden on couples, and is a very straightforward procedure. Also, vasectomy has several other advantages, such as
- Greater sexual freedom and spontaneity
- Increased intimacy
- No effect on sexual performance
- Relief for the female partner
- Over 99% effective in preventing pregnancy
- Reliable birth control method
- Quick procedure
- Minimally invasive with low risk of complications
- Faster recovery in comparison to the sterilization of females
- The procedure is reversible, but it is not a guarantee
- No need for other contraceptive methods
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