Everything you’ve wanted to know about the procedure.
A vasectomy is a surgical procedure utilised to make a man permanently sterile. The way that a vasectomy works is preventing sperm from mixing with other fluid ejaculated from the penis, known as semen.
A no scalpel vasectomy is a popular procedure often performed here in Australia. This type of vasectomy gained traction in the 1980s and is now the preferred method of vasectomy by the majority of surgeons.
This article will explore the details of no scalpel vasectomies, how they differ from conventional vasectomies, and some of the common questions we are asked by patients.
What is a no scalpel vasectomy?
As the name suggests, a no scalpel vasectomy is a vasectomy performed without a scalpel. The reason that a scalpel is not required is because of the way the surgeon accesses the vas deferen – the tube that carries sperm from the testicles to mix with semen.How does a no scalpel vasectomy work?
The doctor applies local anaesthesia to the testicles and feels for the vas deferen through the skin; they then gently apply pressure with their fingers to bring the tube to the surface of the scrotum. The surgeon then immobilises the tube using a small clip. With great care, the doctor opens the skin of the scrotum and uses tweezers to bring part of the tube outside of the skin. Because of the local anaesthetic applied to the area you won’t feel any pain at all. The doctor then makes two small incisions on either side of the tube, cauterises the incision and applies a titanium clip to stop the flow of sperm. A small incision is then made to ensure the two sides of the tube are disconnected. The surgeon will then repeat this process for the other vas deferens tube.How does a no scalpel procedure differ from a standard vasectomy?
As mentioned above, the main difference between a standard procedure and a no scalpel vasectomy is that there is no scalpel used. In a standard procedure, a scalpel is used to make small incisions on each side of the scrotum to access the vas deferens tubes. What are the benefits of a no scalpel procedure? The no scalpel procedure has become popular for a number of good reasons. The main reasons being:- There is a lower risk of blood clots, swelling, and infections
- The procedure takes less time
- There are no sutures required to close up the wounds, which leads to a faster recover with less pain and bleeding
- Overall, a no scalpel procedure costs much less – largely because the procedure is much faster than a standard vasectomy. Click here if you’re like to learn about the price of vasectomies in Melbourne, Australia
- Local anesthesia is much cheaper than general anesthesia
Is the procedure painful?
Most of our patients feel no pain at all during the procedure. However, you may feel a tiny bit of discomfort when the local anesthetic is applied. It’s also possible that you will experience small amounts of pain or swelling after the procedure. This is nothing to be concerned about and can be helped with the use of NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen.Will I be put under general anesthesia?
No, you won’t be put under general anesthesia.Can I drive after my no scalpel vasectomy?
A no scalpel vasectomy is an outpatient procedure, which means you are allowed to return home the same day the procedure is performed. Because you are not put under local anesthesia you will not be impaired in any way and will be fine to drive. However, if somebody is available to drive you home it may be beneficial to ask them to do so. The position you sit in while driving may cause a little discomfort directly after the procedure.How long does a no scalpel vasectomy take?
Procedures vary from clinic to clinic, but the procedure typically takes 20 to 30 minutes.How much does a no scalpel vasectomy usually cost?
The cost of a no scalpel vasectomy varies from location to location. There are a number of factors that influence the price, including:- Whether or not you have private health insurance
- If you are eligible for medicare rebates
- Whether you have a healthcare card
- The provider you choose: urologists are typically more expensive and some surgeons are in high demand, which pushes their price up over time
- The location of the clinic: a procedure performed in the city centre is usually more expensive as a consequence of property/rental prices
Do you want to book a no scalpel vasectomy in Melbourne?
Hoppers Lane GP offers no scalpel vasectomies at some of the most competitive prices in Melbourne. Our expertly trained surgeons perform the procedure at state of the art facilities. Click here to learn more about our no scalpel vasectomy service.
This article was reviewed by Satish Singh
Dr Singh is a fellow of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners. He graduated from Ranchi University in 1990 and then completed his Masters in General surgery from Patna University, India. In 1996 he moved to England and worked in several fields, such as emergency medicine, orthopaedics, surgery and urology before he became Fellow of Royal college of physicians and surgeons, Glasgow, Scotland. He has special interests in surgical procedures, vasectomies, skin checks and aesthetic procedures.
