A typical vasectomy is done on an outpatient basis in our office. The physician first numbs the scrotum and vas deferens with a local anesthetic.

In recent years, many physicians, including our practice, have adopted a new surgical technique called “no-scalpel” vasectomy. This process uses a special clamp to encircle and hold the vas deferens without making an incision. A special forceps is used to penetrate the scrotum, then opened to stretch the skin, providing a small puncture through which the vas deferens can be gently lifted out, cut, sutured or cauterized, and put back in place. Because no incision has been made, the tiny opening quickly closes without the need for sutures.

Compared to the conventional vasectomy, the “no-scalpel” approach is slightly quicker (about 10 to 20 minutes), causes less postoperative discomfort and lower incidences of bleeding or infection.