In the no-scalpel vasectomy technique, a doctor uses a small, sharp tool to puncture a man's scrotum. The scrotal skin is then stretched so the doctor can access the vas deferens during the vasectomy procedure. Overall, a no-scalpel vasectomy is a very safe and effective course of action for men who are seeking permanent sterilization. Sometimes, short-term complications do occur with a no-scalpel vasectomy. Rarely, long-term or serious side effects take place, but in almost all cases, the complications of a no-scalpel vasectomy can be successfully treated.
Short-Term Complications
A no-scalpel vasectomy promises reduced pain and fewer complications compared to a traditional vasectomy. Still, many men experience discomfort after the procedure, including soreness and bruising of the testicles, along with oozing, swelling and inflammation at the vasectomy site. As with many medical interventions, infection and medication allergies can take place with a no-scalpel vasectomy. Signs of infection include fever and pain in the genital region, and should be reported to the doctor immediately. Infection from vasectomy can usually be treated with antibiotics or surgery.
Long-Term Complications
Long-term complications from no scalpel vasectomy are rare. One side effect is the growth of a small lump under the skin of the vasectomy site, which is known as a sperm granuloma. These masses grow when sperm leaks out of the cut end of the vas deferens after sterilization. Sometimes, these growths can be felt under the skin, and occasionally they cause pain and swelling. Surgery may be necessary to fix this problem.
Another rare complication that occurs after a no-scalpel vasectomy is a chronic condition called post vasectomy pain syndrome, or PVPS. Symptoms of PVPS include severe pain that is felt at rest, during sex or during other physical activities. Several treatments are available for PVPS, including psychiatric care, nerve blocks, medications and surgery.
Pregnancy After a No Scalpel Vasectomy
Another rare complication that occurs after a no scalpel vasectomy is when a man gets his partner pregnant. Pregnancy after vasectomy arises for about 10 out of every 1,000 men whose partners are still fertile post-sterilization, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Most pregnancies that take place after vasectomy will occur during the first six months after the procedure, and couples' pregnancy rates are almost nonexistent two years post-vasectomy.
Do Complications Vary by Vasectomy Technique?
Researchers wondered if the no-scalpel vasectomy really was superior at reducing complications of vasectomy. A group of scientists at the Cochrane Collaboration looked at two clinical trials that investigated whether side effects differed between no-scalpel vasectomy and traditional vasectomy. One large study demonstrated that the no-scalpel procedure resulted in reduced amounts of blood loss, pain and infection after surgery. A smaller study did not show any differences between the scalpel and no-scalpel techniques, but the researchers questioned if there were problems with the sample of men that participated in the study.
References
- National Institute of Child Health and Human Development: Facts About Vasectomy Safety
- Medline Plus: Vasectomy
- "Journal of Andrology"; Testicular Pain Following Vasectomy: A Review of Postvasectomy Pain Syndrome; Cory G. Christiansen & Jay I. Sandlow; May/June 2003
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Unintended Pregnancy Prevention: Vasectomy
- The Cochrane Library; Scalpel versus No-Scalpel Incision for Vasectomy (Review); L.A. Cook, A. Pun, M.F. Gallo, L.M. Lopez, & H.A.A.M. Van Vliet; March 2009
