No-Scalpel Vasectomy As Good As It Sounds

Posting Date: 12/31/1999

Original Broadcast Date: October 19, 1999

In case you didn?t know it, about one-third of the vasectomies done in this country involve a no-scalpel approach that started in China 25 years ago.

Since incisions are still made in most vasectomies, a multicenter research group studied 1,429 men to compare the results of surgery to the no-scalpel method. The controlled trials took place in eight sites in Brazil, Guatemala, Indonesia, Sri Lanka and Thailand.

The researchers found both treatments to be safe and effective, but the no-scalpel group had fewer complications, less pain and resumed intercourse sooner after the procedure, according to a report in the Journal of Urology.

One note of caution here is that the no-scalpel procedure, which uses a clamp device, is a little tricky and not a lot of physicians in this country are proficient in this type of vasectomy.

If you?re considering a vasectomy and want to go the no-scalpel route, be sure to choose a doctor who has a track record in performing the operation.

Source: The Journal of Urology, November 1999

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