Did you know that the no-scalpel vasectomy (NSV) technique was first developed in China?
In the 1970s, Dr. Li Shunqiang introduced the NSV technique to address men’s fear of the procedure and promoting vasectomy use in the country. It made a foray into the United States in 1984, and since then, it has become a popular method of contraception—for a number of good reasons.
Read on to learn more about the NSV technique, particularly how it differs from the traditional approach and its significant benefits.
Traditional Vasectomy vs. No-Scalpel Vasectomy
Traditional vasectomy and NSV are both outpatient procedures with a common goal. The difference lies in how the urological surgeon accesses the vas deferens. Let’s delve into how each of the procedures is done.
With a traditional vasectomy, your urological surgeon will apply an anesthetic on and around your scrotum to numb the area. They will then create one or two tiny incisions in your scrotum to access the vas deferens and sever it. Next, your surgeon will close up the ends of the vas by either cauterizing or tying them. Your surgeon will seal the scrotal incisions with stitches or another method.
With the NSV approach, your surgeon may either inject a traditional local anesthetic into your scrotum, or use a spray to numb the area. To access the vas deferens, your surgeon will not create incisions, but instead, a small hole through the skin of the scrotal sac using an instrument called a hemostat. Your surgeon will employ the same technique as a conventional vasectomy to sever the vas deferens. They may use stitches, a mild electrical impulse, clips, or simply tie the ends of the vas to close them up.
Benefits of the NSV Approach
Aside from easing the “squirm” factor commonly associated with the traditional technique, the NSV comes with a number of important benefits, as described below:
o Lower risk of infection and faster healing- Given its minimally invasive nature, no-scalpel vasectomy involves less tissue trauma compared to the traditional technique. This means there is less bleeding during and after the procedure, less postoperative pain, and very minimal risk of residual scarring and complications (e.g., hematoma, blood loss, infection, etc.).
o Reduced downtime- After a no-scalpel vasectomy, you can return to your day-to-day activities after only a few days, unlike the traditional approach, which involves a relatively longer recovery period.
o Highly effective- The NSV approach is an equally effective method of contraception, providing nearly 100% protection from unintended pregnancy.
o Very quick procedure- The NSV is a very quick procedure, taking approximately 20 minutes only.
No-Scalpel Vasectomy Expert in Gilbert and Phoenix, AZ
If you’re contemplating getting a no-scalpel vasectomy, visit us at Ironwood Urology for a consultation with Dr. Desiderio Avila, Jr.— one of Phoenix’s most trusted urological surgeons. He will thoroughly explain to you all of the benefits and risks of the procedure and will perform a comprehensive evaluation to determine if you’re a candidate for it.
To see Dr. Avila, call us at (480) 961-2323, or simply fill out this form, and our staff will contact you as soon as possible. We look forward to serving you!
