Standard incision or no-scalpel vasectomy?
BACKGROUND
For more than a decade a new method of vas deferens access, the no-scalpel vasectomy (NSV), has been promoted and publicized in the United States, Canada, and other countries and has gained remarkable acceptance. Supporters of NSVs claim fewer hematomas, less bleeding, fewer infections, shorter operating times, less pain, and an enhanced acceptance of vasectomy.


METHODS
The records of a series of 619 consecutive vasectomies performed by the same surgeon using both NSV and standard incision techniques were analyzed to compare the incidence of early complications in each.


RESULTS
The incidence of complications in the series of vasectomies was virtually the same whether NSV or a conventional method was used. Infections occurred in 0.7% of conventional procedures, compared with 0.6% in NSVs; hematomas occurred in 0.3% of both; and no incisional bleeding was seen after either procedure.


CONCLUSIONS
The claims made for NSV remain unsubstantiated. This study indicates that either a standard incision or the NSV method of accessing the vas deferens can yield similarly good results.
Alderman
P M
PM
Lion's Gate Hospital, North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
Morrison
G E
GE
D000328:Adult; D001955:British Columbia; D004823:Epididymitis / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D014659:Vasectomy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*