No Scalpel, No Needle, Minimally Invasive Vasectomy
About half a million American men each year choose vasectomy for permanent birth control. Vasectomy is considered nearly 100 percent effective, safe, and does not interfere with sexual pleasure.
Most urologists perform vasectomy procedures. There are different techniques in performing a vasectomy. The traditional method uses a scalpel and the modern method which is called the "no scalpel vasectomy". Both the traditional method and the no-scalpel technique are safe and effective in experienced hands. Urologists usually take advanced training to learning the no scalpel procedure. Dr. Bevan-Thomas utilizes the "no scalpel vasectomy" approach exclusively since this minimally invasive procedure allows for a quick recovery and minimal discomfort. Dr. Bevan-Thomas recommends the use of the "no scalpel vasectomy" or the "Vasclip" procedure (as described below) as an alternative in his practice.
A local anesthetic is used in all cases to allow the patient to be comfortable during the procedure. During the past few decades, over 15 million no-scalpel vasectomies have been performed with this technique now used around the world. Dr. Bevan-Thomas has extensive experience performing the "no scalpel vasectomy" in addition to the no scalpel vasectomy approach for the vasclip procedure
How the No-scalpel vasectomy is performed
As the name suggests, the "No-Scalpel" method does not involve a scalpel, but a small opening is still necessary. The key to the No-Scalpel Vasectomy is the special instruments that allow the procedure to be done with generally less manipulation of the patient's tissues. In this procedure, Dr. Bevan-Thomas locates the patient's vas deferens under the skin of the scrotum by hand and anesthetizes the scrotum. This is usually the only time during the procedure when the patient feels any pressure. Small forceps then separate the layers of tissue and then creates a tiny puncture in the skin to form an opening for the vas deferens to be gently lifted out, then cut, tied, and cauterized and placed back into the scrotum. The very small puncture wound will heal by itself and sutures are rarely used to close this tiny opening.
Vasclip Procedure
| The use of clips can shorten the procedure time and will leave permanent staple- like devices within the scrotum. These little clips are somewhat smaller than an eraser head and significantly smaller than the size of a dime. The no scalpel approach is utilized to gain access to the vas deferens on both sides, however once the vas deferens is located, very little manipulation is required to place the clips. |
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The VASCLIP procedure is The Alternative to Vasectomy. The implantable VASCLIP is a small, hinged lock that stays in place after it is applied to each vas deferens. About the size of a grain of rice, the VASCLIP gently closes the vas deferens, without cutting the vessel, and stops the flow of sperm. Because the VASCLIP procedure does not require cutting or cauterizing (burning) the vas deferens, complications such as swelling and infection have been shown to be significantly reduced in a clinical study.
Frequent Questions about the Vasclip
How much will the Vasclip procedure cost?
The cost of the Vasclip procedure can be broken into two separate components:
Physician procedure cost: It is likely that the physician procedure cost will be covered by your health insurance. 85-90% of health insurers cover male birth control procedures, but you should check with your health insurer. The cost of the Vasclip procedure, as with all medical procedures, varies by area, physician, payor and patient.
Vasclip device cost: The cost of the Vasclip device will vary by area and physician, and is in addition to the above mentioned physician procedure cost. It is likely that the Vasclip device will cost a patient or insurer between an additional $500. Some insurers will immediately recognize the clinical and economic benefit of couples opting for a Vasclip procedure instead of the more expensive options of tubal ligation ($2,000 to $4,000) and the pill ($360 to $480 per year) and may cover the cost of the device. Many insurers, due to the relative newness of the Vasclip procedure, may not currently cover the cost of the Vasclip device. Please check with your insurer to see if they will cover the cost of the Vasclip device, (in addition to the cost of the procedure). Fees for the vasclip must be paid prior to the procedure. If the insurance company does reimburse for the clip, the patient will have his money refunded at the time of reimbursement.
Is the Vasclip procedure reversible?
The Vasclip procedure should be considered permanent. Because the Vasclip procedure reduces damage done to the vas deferens compared to a traditional vasectomy, it is thought that the success of reversing the Vasclip procedure may be better than reversing a vasectomy. Clinical studies are currently underway to investigate the reversibility of the vasclip procedure and the early data is very encouraging.
Can the Vasclip be "unlocked" or "come off" during strenuous physical activity? How can the Vasclip be removed?
The Vasclip was designed to permanently lock around and close the vas deferens without actually damaging the vas deferens. To unlock the Vasclip requires strong, direct, precise pressure from rigid flat surfaces on both sides of the "grain of rice size" Vasclip. To remove the Vasclip, a physician would need to surgically access the site of the Vasclip.
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