Once the patient understands the procedure and has signed the
operative consent form he is ready for vasectomy. Click
here to view sample operative consent form. He may elect
to take Valium by mouth prior to the procedure. He is asked
to remove clothing from the waist down and a small area of the
anterior scrotum is usually shaved. The skin is then cleansed
with a soap solution, usually Betadine, an iodine solution.
Another solution can be used if there is an allergy to topical
Iodine.
Sterile drapes are then placed and the physician will palpate
the vas on one side and manipulate the vas to just beneath
the skin level. Lidocaine is then injected to anesthetize
the skin. This is done with a very small needle. A sticking,
stinging sensation is noted only briefly. Once injected, the
skin is immediately anesthetized and the procedure can then
be performed.
Depending on the anatomy, your physician may elect to perform
small incisions or a no scalpel technique to approach the
vas. In either case, the vas is brought into the operative
field and small metal clips are applied and a segment of the
vas is removed. The vas is then cauterized (burned), internally
and externally.
The
same procedure is performed on the opposite side, usually
through a separate site, although, occasionally both sides
can be done through the same incision. Sometimes the skin
incision is left open and, sometimes, absorbable sutures are
placed to close the incision. There may be spotting of blood
from the wounds for twenty-four to forty-eight hours, therefore,
a dressing is placed over the wound and can be removed the
next day. Dressing may be replaced if the patient is more
comfortable with a dressing in place or if there is any continued
spotting of blood.
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