VASECTOMY

General Information

DEFINITION-Cutting and tying the vas deferens (sperm channels inside the scrotum). The surgery stops the flow of sperm and provides a safe, effective form of birth control without affecting sexual desire or ability.

BODY PARTS INVOLVED-Scrotum; vas deferens.

REASONS FOR SURGERY

• Voluntary sterilization.
• Recurrent epididymitis when caused by chronic prostate infection.

SURGICAL RISK INCREASES WITH

• Emotional instability.
• Recent illness, especially one with fever.

What To Expect

WHO OPERATES-General surgeon, family doctor, urologist or plastic and reconstructive surgeon.

WHERE PERFORMED-Doctor's office, outpatient surgical facility or hospital.

DIAGNOSTIC TESTS

• Before surgery: Sperm studies.
• After surgery: Sperm studies, at least twice during 10 weeks after surgery.

ANESTHESIA-Local anesthesia by injection.

DESCRIPTION OF OPERATION

• The scrotum is shaved at home before surgery.
• Incisions are made on both sides of the scrotum. The vas deferens is identified, tied in two places and cut between the ties.
• The divided vas deferens is returned to the scrotum.
• The edges of incised skin are reconstructed with fine sutures, which usually fall out in about 7 days.

POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS

• Collection of blood in scrotum.
• Excessive bleeding.
• Surgical-wound infection.
• Epididymitis.
• Sperm granuloma (benign lump in the surgical area).
• Small possibility of re-establishing fertility.

AVERAGE HOSPITAL STAY-Usually none.

PROBABLE OUTCOME-Expect sterility without complications. You may have up to 30 ejaculations before sperm completely disappears from semen. Allow 6 days for full recovery from surgery.

Postoperative Care

GENERAL MEASURES

• Return home immediately. Rest in bed for 24 hours. Apply ice bags to both sides of the scrotum for 20 minutes out of each hour for the first 6 to 8 hours.
• Hard blunt ridges should form along the incisions. While healing, the ridges will recede gradually.
• Use an electric heating pad, a heat lamp or a warm compress to relieve incisional pain (beginning 24 hours after surgery).
• Bathe and shower as usual. You may wash the incisions gently with mild unscented soap.
• Wear scrotal support or two pairs of jockey shorts for 4 to 6 weeks after surgery.

† You may use non--prescription drugs, such as acetaminophen, for minor pain.

† Resume sexual relations when able, as soon as 1 week after surgery. Use birth--control measures until laboratory studies confirm sterility.

DIET--No special diet.

Call Your Doctor If

† Pain, swelling, redness, drainage or bleeding increases in the surgical area.

• You develop signs of infection: headache, muscle aches, dizziness or a general ill feeling and fever.