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Vasectomy Procedures - Diagrams and Illustration |
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The time taken to perform the conventional vasectomy ranges from
10 - 20 minutes. The key difference in method
relates to how the vas tube is accessed. The vas tube on one side is grasped under the scrotal skin.
Then a 1cm incision is made through the scrotal skin and through the sheath or covering of the vas until the whole vas is exposed.
The vas is then grasped with a hand clamp, and the arteries, veins and nerves are dissected free at the vas tube. The vas tube is then elevated out of the scrotum and blocked one of the methods described
below (same for in no-scalpel procedure) i.e., by tying, cauterizing or affixing metal clips the ends of the tubes. The wound is then often sutured closed. The same process is then repeated on the other side.
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Blocking of the Vas Tubes |
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How the the vas tubes are blocked differ among vasectomy
physicians. For example, once the vas tubes have been brought out through the
opening in the scrotum, some procedures involve just cutting and tying the ends
of the tube. Others cauterize (burn) the ends. Still others affix metal clips to
the ends. Combinations of any of these are possible. (different
methods described below)
Once the sperm tube (1.) is lifted out of the scrotum, it is cut and both
ends are blocked. (2.). A small section of the vas tube also may be removed at
this point. If the tubes are cauterized, the cauterization on the ends of the
tubes stimulates the formation of a strong scar that blocks the tubes.
Fascial Interposition
Some NSV doctors carry out an additional step (3.), that some studies suggest
increases the success of the procedure, called fascial interposition. This
step involves bringing the fascial sheath, or covering of the sperm tube, over
one end of the cut tube to create a natural barrier between the two cut ends.
Fascial interposition can be carried out using titanium clips or with a
dissolvable thread.
Open Vasectomy
Some studies suggest that when the tube is cut the testicular end should be
left open and that doing so may reduce the risk of post vasectomy pain. This
is called an open vasectomy.
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