In addition, an improved method of local anesthesia, the no-needle method, helps make the procedure virtually painless.
In a conventional vasectomy, after the scrotum has been numbed with a local anesthetic, the doctor makes two cuts in the skin and lifts out each tube in turn, cutting and blocking them. Then the doctor stitches the cuts closed.
In a no-scalpel vasectomy the doctor locates the tubes under the skin and holds them in place with a small clamp. Instead of making two incisions, the doctor makes one tiny puncture with a special instrument. The same instrument is used to gently stretch the opening so the tubes can be reached. This line accurately represents the actual size of the puncture. (I) Through this tiny opening both tubes are temporarily lifted out and then blocked using heat cauterization. Then Dr. Crouse carries out what many studies describe as a crucial step, called fascial interposition. This step involves tying the sheath or covering of the vas over one end of the cut tube with a dissolving thread, to create a natural barrier between the two cut ends.
Fascial interposition can be carried out using titanium metal clips which are left permanently in the scrotum, or with dissolvable thread. Dr. Crouse’s preference is to use the dissolvable thread, so as not to leave any foreign bodies in the scrotum.
The fine tubes are then gently placed back into the scrotum and the tiny opening heals within days and soon becomes invisible. There is very little bleeding with the no-scalpel technique. No stitches are needed to close the tiny opening, which heals quickly, without a scar.
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No-Scalpel Vasectomy:
Pulling out one of the two vas tubes |
No-Scalpel Vasectomy:
No stitches are needed to close the tiny opening |
Conventional Vasectomy
Two moderate incisions stitched closed. |
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No-Needle Anesthesia (NNA) - With NNA a local anesthetic can be delivered through the skin with an air injector, virtually painlessly and very effectively without the use of a needle.
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