How does the No-Scalpel Vasectomy Differ?
This procedure is safer and less invasive. It was developed in China in 1974 and was brought to the United States in 1988. It differs from conventional vasectomy in that the two vas deferens are accessed through a small puncture with a specialized instrument rather than an incision with a scalpel. It also differs in that it has an improved method of giving anesthesia. In the No-Scalpel Vasectomy, the doctor feels the tubes underneath the skin and holds them in place with an instrument designed to keep them fixed and steady. Instead of making two incisions, the doctor makes one tiny puncture with a specialized instrument. This same instrument is used to gently stretch the opening and deliver the vas deferens so that it may be blocked. There is very little bleeding with this technique, no stitches are needed and the opening heals quickly.
