What is No-Scalpel Vasectomy?

No-Scalpel Vasectomy (NSV) is a refined method of vasectomy that eliminates the scalpel, results in fewer complications, and leaves a much smaller wound than conventional techniques. Many millions of Chinese men, and now North American men, have had this procedure since its origination in 1974 by Dr. Li Shunqiang, of the Chongqing Family Planning Scientific Research Institute in China.

Dr. Ronald S. Weiss introduced the technique in Canada. Dr. Weiss went on to develop a training program for use across the country, to train other physicians in this method.

How is No-Scalpel Vasectomy done? First the doctor locates the vas deferens (the tube that carries sperm) under the skin with his fingers. The area is numbed using an improved local anaesthetic technique; so the entire procedure is virtually painless. Then the vas is secured with a special clamp that does not injure the skin. The tip of a sharp forceps (a small surgical instrument with curved tips) is used to make a tiny opening in the skin. Both tips are then gently inserted and spread slightly to stretch the opening and expose the vas. It is then lifted and blocked (cut, cauterized and buried with a tiny titanium clip) and released to re-enter the scrotal sac. With the same method and the same opening, the surgeon lifts out the second vas and blocks it. Afterwards, no stitches are needed to close the tiny puncture that heals quickly without leaving a scar.

What are the advantages of No-Scalpel Vasectomy? Clinical reports from doctors attest that No-Scalpel Vasectomy is less invasive, causes fewer complications, and takes less time to perform than the conventional technique. No-Scalpel Vasectomy is less invasive because:

1. A single puncture is used rather than the one or two incisions with the conventional vasectomy.

• The physician accesses the tubes only after they have been secured near the surface of the skin with a special clamp. Because of this, damage to surrounding tissues is minimized and, consequently, the risks of bleeding under the skin (haematoma) that causes swelling, bruising and post-operative pain and infection are reduced.

For couples who decide not to have any more children, vasectomy may be a more sensible alternative than female sterilization (tubal ligation). Female sterilization sometimes requires a hospital stay and the use of a general anaesthetic, which has its own set of risks. Vasectomy can be performed on an outpatient basis, requires only local anaesthetic and has a lower failure rate.