Introduction to No-Scalpel Vasectomy
Vasectomy is a safe, inexpensive, and effective form of permanent sterilization.
Compared with permanent female sterilization by tubal ligation, vasectomy is significantly less expensive and carries much less risk. However, in the United States, about 27% of couples use tubal ligation and only about 10% of couples use vasectomy. Approximately 500,000 men undergo vasectomy each year in the United States. Vasectomy is usually performed in the outpatient setting using local anesthesia.
No-scalpel vasectomy was developed in China in 1974, and introduced in the United States in 1985. The technique involves making a small puncture hole in the scrotal skin to access the vas deferens, thus eliminating the scalpel incision.
The no-scalpel method results in lower rates of bleeding and infection, and a smaller skin wound.
Technique: No-Scalpel
Infection Rate: 0.2-7.1%
Bleeding/Hematoma Rate: 0.3-9.5%
Technique: Incisional
Infection Rate: 1.5-11.4%
Bleeding/Hematoma Rate: 1.7-15.9%