Rochester Medical Malpractice and Personal Injury Lawyer Blog
Vasectomy is one of the most common surgical procedures performed in the United States. This straightforward operation is a form of birth control that works by preventing sperm from leaving the body through the penis. Doctors do about 500,000 vasectomies in the US per year. They are usually covered by insurance. If you or someone you love was injured by a medical provider during a vasectomy procedure, call our office today. At DeFrancisco & Falgiatano, our highly experienced medical malpractice attorneys may be able to help you collect the compensation you deserve. We help clients throughout Upstate New York, with offices in multiple convenient locations. Our extensive experience in the medical malpractice field is reflected in the results we have achieved for our clients.
A vasectomy may appear to be painful and dangerous, but we assure you that it is only mildly uncomfortable and completely safe. Vasectomy procedures are classified into two types. The traditional vasectomy is the first and most common procedure and the no scalpel vasectomy is the second and slightly less invasive procedure. Both of these procedures have advantages and disadvantages. As a result, in order to make an informed decision, you must understand the distinctions between these procedures. Your final decision will depend on your preferences and the surgeon you consult.
Both no-scalpel and traditional vasectomies are effective methods of birth control. The main difference is how the vas deferens is accessed during the procedure. Recovery times are shorter with a no-scalpel vasectomy because it is less invasive than a traditional vasectomy.
A vasectomy is a surgical procedure used to keep sperm from exiting the penis during ejaculation. Ejaculatory fluid is a mix of sperm and seminal fluid. During a vasectomy, the vas deferens are surgically disconnected and the ends are sealed, preventing sperm from leaving the testicles and becoming a part of the ejaculatory fluid. There is no risk of getting a partner pregnant if sperm is not present. A traditional vasectomy begins with the doctor making two incisions on both sides of the scrotal skin. The vas is surgically separated from the other spermatic cord structures. After that, the vas is tied off, cut, and separated. The incision is then sutured closed. A disadvantage to this procedure is that the doctor usually makes an incision on the scrotum, which increases your risk of infection and other complications. Such cases are reported only every so often; most patients recover completely within a week. However, it is still a possibility.
Vasectomy without a scalpel requires a local anesthetic to be applied to the scrotal skin. Instead of making an incision in the scrotum, the doctor uses a sharp, forceps-like instrument to make a small puncture in the skin. The skin is gently stretched to expose the vas deferens. The vas deferens is cut and the ends are cauterized. There is no need for stitches because the puncture closes immediately after the procedure.
There are several advantages to no-scalpel vasectomies. A no-scalpel vasectomy is less invasive and safer. The chances of complications with conventional vasectomy are 5-10% due to bleeding, scarring, infection, and so on, whereas the chances of complications with no-scalpel vasectomies are less than 1%. A no-scalpel vasectomy takes 10 minutes, while a traditional vasectomy takes 30 minutes. No-scalpel causes less pain and takes less time to fully heal. Most people can return to normal physical activity the next day. In terms of effectiveness, they are both equal. Finally, it appears that the no-scalpel vasectomy is the superior option.
Vasectomy is a highly effective procedure with a 1% failure rate. However, both no-scalpel vasectomy and traditional vasectomy are only fully effective after a few months. This is because sperm can survive in the body for many weeks, during which time a pregnancy is possible. You will most likely be asked to return 90 days after the vasectomy for a follow-up appointment to check for remaining live sperm. To avoid an unplanned pregnancy during this time, it is best to use another form of birth control until your doctor confirms that you no longer have live sperm.
While traditional vasectomy can be reversed with the vasectomy reversal procedure, the success rate is very low. As a result, we advise that you consider a vasectomy to be permanent.
As a result, make your decision after consulting with your partner, family, and healthcare provider. Before having a vasectomy, consult a qualified medical professional if you have any questions. By reattaching the severed vas deferens, vasectomies can be reversed to restore fertility. Vasectomy reversals are most effective when performed within 10 years of the original procedure.
Differences between no-scalpel and traditional vasectomy
| Differences | No-scalpel vasectomy | Traditional vasectomy |
| Time taken | 20-30 minutes | 20-30 minutes |
| Discharge | Patient can go home on the same day | Patient can go home on the same day |
| Invasiveness | Less invasive | More invasive |
| Recovery time | A few days | At least a week |
| Popularity | More common | Less common |
| Complications | Less post-operative bruising and swelling, faster healing | More post-operative soreness, swelling, and bruising that lasts longer
|
| Bleeding | Minimal bleeding during the procedure | More bleeding during the procedure |
| Sutures | Not required | Required |
| Resume activities | Fairly quickly | Time is needed |
| Infection risk | Less risk of infection and hematoma | More risk of infection and hematoma |
Finally, if you’re thinking about getting a vasectomy, it’s critical to understand the differences between traditional and no-scalpel procedures. While traditional vasectomy has been around for a long time and is a reliable option, the no-scalpel procedure provides faster recovery times as well as other distinct advantages. However, as with any medical decision, you should consult with your doctor to determine which option is best for you based on your personal preferences and medical history. You can make an informed decision that gives you peace of mind and helps you achieve your family planning goals if you have the right information and guidance.
At DeFrancisco & Falgiatano, we represent injured clients and their families throughout Upstate New York, including Syracuse, Rochester, Albany, Buffalo, Elmira, Binghamton, Auburn, Ithaca, Oswego, Norwich, Herkimer, Delhi, Cooperstown, Cortland, Lowville, Oneida, Watertown, Utica, Canandaigua, Wampsville, Lyons, and surrounding areas. Please call us at 833-200-2000 or contact us via our online form to discuss your case.
