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No-Scalpel vs. No-scalpel vasectomy is as effective as a traditional vasectomy but is considered the better surgical approach for several reasons.
However, during a no-scalpel vasectomy, only one small puncture is made.
This approach has become far more common than traditional vasectomy.
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Each vas is lifted out of the single puncture site, one at a time.
Then the occlusion is performed.
This creates a tissue barrier between the vasal ends.
Some research suggests that this additional step decreasesfailure rates, but the evidence is inconclusive at this time.
Finally, each end of the vas is allowed to slip back into the scrotum.
This means that only the prostatic end of the vas is tied or cauterized.
The testicular end (closest to the testis) is left open.
The reason for keeping this end open is to allow for sperm leakage.
You’ll go home the same day as your surgery.
Recovering at Home
Most men recover from a vasectomy in about a week.
In that time, its important to take steps to help your surgical site heal.
That means rest, including no sex, exercise, or heavy lifting.
Your surgeon will advise you as to when it’s possible for you to resume your regular activities.
You may experience a reaction to the local anesthesia.
The lump is not dangerous, rarely symptomatic, and is almost always resolved by the body in time.
Plus, it may actually serve as a protective feature to the testis and epididymis.
Some men report short-term tenderness and a little bit of bruising after the procedure.
Costs
In general,vasectomies are considered a lower-cost surgical option.
But, after these up-front costs, there are no ongoing costs to maintain this contraceptive method.
This procedure is covered by many private insurance plans.
Of special note, the no-scalpel vasectomy is not 100% guaranteed to be effective.
The possibility of this occurring is very rare (well below .5% of the time).
Like a traditional vasectomy, healing time for a no-scalpel procedure is usually a week or less.
Most patients who undergo the procedure are back to work in a few days.
UNC School of Medicine.A urologist answers questions about the no-needle, no-scalpel vasectomy.
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Johnson D, Sandlow JI.Vasectomy: tips and tricks.Transl Androl Urol.
