What is an open-ended vasectomy?
A. An open-ended vasectomy is a vasectomy that is performed in the exact same fashion as a standard vasectomy other than leaving the testicular end of the vas unclipped. By leaving the proximal end open, it is thought to reduce the back pressure build up on the epididymis and testicle thus making a future vasectomy reversal easier and possibly reducing the already low chance of developing post-vasectomy pain syndrome. The problem with the open-ended vasectomy is that there is a greater likelihood of the vasectomy not working and because the end is open, sperm can leak out and cause a granuloma (inflammatory mass) to form at the end of this vas. The granuloma can sometimes be the cause of pain after a vasectomy. We do not routinely recommend open-ended vasectomy but will certainly perform one if requested.
