Technique
Pre-operation appointment
Prior to the operation a prospective patient will have a telephone consultation with one of our nurses. During this consultation information regarding the procedure and post procedure requirements will be discussed. It is also an opportunity to review any other medical conditions that might impact on the procedure.
This nurse consultation is essential and is very informative to the patient. There is no charge for the nurse consultation and there is no obligation for the patient to go ahead with a vasectomy should they change their mind.
Operation
To relieve any nervousness patients are given a medication to relax them a few minutes before the procedure. In addition to helping the patient feel more at ease the medication also makes the procedure easier to perform. Whilst not “put to sleep”, the medication will make the patient feel drowsy during the procedure and for a short time afterwards.
Vasectomies are performed under local anaesthesia using the modern “No-Scalpel” technique. Our technique also utilises a medical instrument known as a Hyfrecator. This allows the vas deferens (tubes carrying the sperm) to be sealed closed without the need for cutting or stitching internally.
Local anaesthesia is used to numb a small area of skin at the front of the scrotum. Once numb a small hole, a few millimetres in diameter, is made in the skin using the Hyfrecator device allowing access to the vas deferens. The entire procedure is undertaken through this small hole and usually takes around 15 minutes.
Post-Operation
Immediately post operatively there will be no pain or discomfort. However, as the patient will be drowsy from the pre-operative medication, he will need someone else to drive him home.
It is recommended that there should be no lifting or strenuous activity for one week post procedure. Patients working in non-strenuous employment will normally be able to return to work after a day's rest. For patients working in physically demanding jobs return to work may need to be delayed for 1 week.
There is not usually any need for a follow up appointment. The patient will already have been given instructions on producing semen samples to confirm sterility during the nurse consultation.