The question may really be, why not choose a no-scalpel vasectomy? Although different physicians performing vasectomies may do so with multiple different techniques, there are generally two main techniques: the no-scalpel technique and the incisional technique. The incisional vasectomy technique is the traditional, older method of using a scalpel to make a 1 cm incision to isolate the vas deferens. On the other hand, the no-scalpel technique utilizes a sharp, pointed microsurgical instrument with a spreading motion to isolate the vas deferens through a 2-3 mm puncture in the skin. Typically, the puncture site is not identifiable within a month after the vasectomy, but the importance of this technique is actually more about what is done under the skin rather than going through the skin. The no-scalpel technique has been shown in research studies to result in shorter operative times and it decreases the rate of vasectomy related complications such as bleeding, infection, swelling, and pain during the procedure and early after the procedure. Clearly all important stuff! So, the little punctures are nice, but it’s really about minimizing risk and optimizing outcomes. This is the preferred method for these reasons and the only method that Dr. Parviz Kavoussi uses to perform vasectomy. He states, “if we have a technique with optimal success rates and lower complication rates, there does not seem to be a good reason not to use it.”
