The superior snip
By Helen Potter
Gentlemen may want to skip this one, or at least consider themselves warned.
A new review comparing no-scalpel vasectomies to the traditional variety has concluded that whilst they are equal in providing permanent fertility control, the no-scalpel procedure has less side effects.
For those of you of an enquiring mind (the squeamish should look away now), a no-scalpel vasectomy involves using a sharp instrument to puncture the skin of the scrotum rather than cutting, before tying or cutting the tubes as normal. The advantages of puncturing are that the patient generally has less bruising, bleeding, infection or pain and that the hole is normally small enough not to require stitches.
The lead author of the study, Dr Lynley Cook, a public health physician and clinical senior lecturer at the University of Otago in Christchurch, New Zealand, did however highlight the need for sufficient training.
"From the results of the review, we would agree that the no-scalpel methodology is the preferable method to use, as it has lower rate of adverse events. But the no-scalpel technique requires more training and a higher level of skill. One of the most important issues for men seeking a vasectomy is the experience of the surgeon with that particular method."
So fellows - if you are seeking the no-scalpel snip, it is recommended that you ask your surgeon what training they've received and how many procedures they have performed.
You can uncross your legs now.
For similar similar articles why not read:
Fighting flies reveal the gender gap
Depressed men get it worse
Men are from Mars, women are from Venus
Or to read more of Helen's articles click here
A new review comparing no-scalpel vasectomies to the traditional variety has concluded that whilst they are equal in providing permanent fertility control, the no-scalpel procedure has less side effects.
For those of you of an enquiring mind (the squeamish should look away now), a no-scalpel vasectomy involves using a sharp instrument to puncture the skin of the scrotum rather than cutting, before tying or cutting the tubes as normal. The advantages of puncturing are that the patient generally has less bruising, bleeding, infection or pain and that the hole is normally small enough not to require stitches.
The lead author of the study, Dr Lynley Cook, a public health physician and clinical senior lecturer at the University of Otago in Christchurch, New Zealand, did however highlight the need for sufficient training.
"From the results of the review, we would agree that the no-scalpel methodology is the preferable method to use, as it has lower rate of adverse events. But the no-scalpel technique requires more training and a higher level of skill. One of the most important issues for men seeking a vasectomy is the experience of the surgeon with that particular method."
So fellows - if you are seeking the no-scalpel snip, it is recommended that you ask your surgeon what training they've received and how many procedures they have performed.
You can uncross your legs now.
For similar similar articles why not read:
Fighting flies reveal the gender gap
Depressed men get it worse
Men are from Mars, women are from Venus
Or to read more of Helen's articles click here
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