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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:
- 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.
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