The No-Scalpel Vasectomy Procedure at Gentle Procedures Fredericton

Dr. Christie offers No-Scalpel, No-Needle Vasectomy at the Gentle Procedures NB clinic location.

No-scalpel vasectomies at our clinic provide a safe and virtually painless alternative to conventional vasectomy using a scalpel. Studies show that no-scalpel vasectomies have a complication rate eight times lower than conventional approaches and involve less discomfort.

Please contact us with your questions, or to book an appointment. You can reach us during clinic hours at 506-443-7623.

You can request a consultation appointment, or go ahead and complete the longer registration form now and save yourself some paperwork in the clinic later.

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What is Different About a No-Scalpel Vasectomy?

 No-scalpel vasectomy is different from a conventional vasectomy in the way the doctor gets to the tubes, not in the way he blocks them.

In a conventional vasectomy, after the scrotum has been numbed with a local anesthetic, the doctor makes two cuts in the skin and lifts out each tube in turn, cutting and blocking them. Then the doctor stitches the cuts closed.

In a no-scalpel vasectomy the doctor locates the tubes under the skin and holds them in place with a small clamp. Instead of making two incisions, the doctor makes one tiny puncture with a special instrument.

The same instrument is used to gently stretch the opening so the tubes can be reached. This line accurately represents the actual size of the puncture. (I) Through this tiny opening both tubes are temporarily lifted out and then blocked using heat cauterization.

The first image below (at left) shows how the vas tubes are accessed via the small opening. The centre image gives you an idea of the actual size of the cut that will be made during your no-scalpel vasectomy. The third image is just shown so you can compare the no-scalpel technique with the cuts made for a conventional vasectomy.

no scalpel vasectomy image of vas deferens

No-scalpel procedure: Pulling out one of the two vas tubes

scrotal vasectomy image with no scalpel insertion

No-scalpel procedure: No stitches are needed to close the tiny opening

vasectomy scarring after no scalpel vasectomy

Conventional vasectomy: Two moderate incisions stitched closed.

Ensuring Sterilization – Fascial Interposition

Then Dr. Christie carries out what many studies describe as a crucial step, called fascial interposition. This step involves tying the sheath or covering of the vas over one end of the cut tube with a dissolving thread or tiny titanium clip, to create a natural barrier between the two cut ends.

The fine tubes are then gently placed back into the scrotum and the tiny opening heals within days and soon becomes invisible.

There is very little bleeding with the no-scalpel technique.

No stitches are needed to close the tiny opening, which heals quickly, generally without a scar. Once the area is again covered with hair it will be virtually invisible.

open ended vasectomy explained
fascial interposition vasectomy info

We offer the comfort and speed of a no-scalpel vasectomy procedure with appointments available fast.

No-Needle Anesthesia – Spray Application

Our clinic also offers a method of anesthesia called “No-Needle Freezing”, which eliminates the need for a needle entering the scrotum. This is accomplished by using an air pressure device which is more comfortable for patients.

The animated image here shows both standard anaesthetic injection with a syringe and the no-needle option with an air injector. You can compare the two techniques and see how the air injector pushes the anaesthetic through the pores in the scrotal skin with a burst of air.

Benefits of No-Scalpel Male Vasectomy

Studies have shown an eight times lower complication rate, quicker healing, and less intra-operative discomfort for a no-scalpel vasectomy compared to the more conventional approach.

The benefits of performing a vasectomy through a tiny central opening versus making larger cuts requiring sutures are well documented.

no needle vasectomy gif

Fredericton Vasectomy Basics – How Does Vasectomy Prevent Pregnancy?

Sperm are made in a man’s testes. During sexual climax, the sperm travels through two tubes (the right vas and left vas) in the scrotum, mix with semen (from the prostate and seminal vesicles), and come out of the penis. In a vasectomy, these tubes are blocked so the sperm cannot reach the semen. As a result, you will ejaculate semen without sperm.

A man cannot make his partner pregnant without sperm.

Also keep in mind that the sperm makes up a minute portion of the ejaculate, approximately 1% of the volume. Therefore, you will not notice any change in the ejaculation post-vasectomy. Your sexual experience, erections, performance, ejaculations are essentially unchanged. Only change is: No more sperm, no more pregnancy!

before vasectomy gif explainer
To understand what happens during a No-Scalpel Vasectomy procedure, review this diagram to see how the male anatomy normally functions. The testicles produce sperm that travel through a pair of tubes called the Vasa Deferens. You can easily feel them through the scrotal skin, like firm spaghetti-sized tubes on either side of the penis. These tubes carry sperm from the testicles to the penis.
After vasectomy gif

The vasectomy procedure simply interrupts the flow of sperm by cutting the sperm tubes and blocking their ends. Before making the decision to have your NSV, please review the preparations, procedure, and recovery to see what you can expect from start to finish.

Open-Ended Type Vasectomy

Doctor Christie performs an “Open-Ended” vasectomy technique, where the vas tube from the bottom end is left open (uncauterized), while the end of the tube leading to the penis is cauterized. As detailed above, fascial interposition is also performed to ensure the success of your vasectomy.

The leakage does not increase risk of pregnancy, as the other end of the vas is sealed. Sperm are simply reabsorbed back into the testicles in a natural process that causes no pain or pressure.

NB Vasectomies Available for NS, PEI, and NL Men

Men who are not covered by NB Medicare are welcome at Gentle Procedures Maritimes clinic in Fredericton.

We serve clients from NS, PEI, NL, and QC – as it is not alway possible to get a vasectomy quickly in every province.

Out of province clients are usually still covered by their own Medicare even for a vasectomy procedure done in NB.

Please call us for details.

Please use the Appointment Form to get started. We will call you back to schedule your consultation and vasectomy procedure.

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Possible Risks and Complications with a Vasectomy Procedure

There are no life-threatening complications associated with NSV (No-Scalpel Vasectomies). The minor complications that can arise are generally short-lived and resolve with ice, rest, anti-inflammatories, and time. Long term safety with NSV is considered excellent, although all of the following are possible:

  • Mild discomfort: Some men report a mild aching sensation to the scrotum for a few hours to a few days after the procedure.
  • Mild bleeding into the scrotum (1/400): May form a small tender swelling for a few days.
  • Scrotal hematoma (1/1000): A major bleed into the scrotum causing a grapefruit size tender scrotum which may take months to heal.
  • Infection (1/500): May present as redness and tenderness at the healing site opening or non specific tenderness within the scrotum, which may require oral antibiotics. (More serious infection is possible i.e. abscess formation that may require intravenous antibiotics 1/1000).
  • Epididymitis (1/100): Tender swelling of the epididymis, the tube connecting the vas deferens and the testes.
  • Sperm granuloma (1/500): A small, potentially uncomfortable, bead-like structure made of leaked sperm that may develop at the site where the tube was cut and blocked.
  • Post Vasectomy Pain Syndrome (1/1000): A rare complication of a persisting dull ache in the testicle where the inflammation does not settle down. It may resolve on its own or may need another surgical procedure.
  • Failure (less than 1/1000): Because a doctor has inadequately blocked one or both tubes, or because one or both tubes have rejoined.
  • Reactive hydrocele (1/10,000) – A swelling in the scrotum that occurs when fluid collects in the thin sheath surrounding a testicle.

Does Vasectomy at our Fredericton Clinic Hurt?

With no needle anaesthesia and our no scalpel technique the pain is minimized. You will likely have some aching or other minor discomfort in the day or two after your surgery, but you can be sure that our gentle vasectomy procedure offers optimal results with the least amount of pain.

Laser Vasectomy in the Maritimes?

Some people ask us if we do “Laser Vasectomies” but at present, laser vasectomy doesn’t actually exist. Laser vasectomy is not a real medical procedure. We are not aware of any vasectomy doctors in Halifax, Moncton, Saint John, or anywhere in PEI, or in Canada, that offer laser vasectomy.

Sometimes no-scalpel no-needle vasectomy is confused with laser vasectomy. Some people may assume that because no needle and no scalpel are used a laser may be the tool applied to the operation – but this is not the case.

As detailed above our method involves the use of specialized instruments that obviate the need for scalpels and needles. The traditional scalpel is replaced with devices for puncturing a small hole and holding men’s vas tubes during the no-scalpel vasectomy procedure.

The needle is replaced with an air jet applicator which permits anaesthetic to be applied through the scrotal skin without a puncturing needle. We call this “no-needle freezing”.

Laser Vasectomy Doesn’t Exist

At Gentle Procedures NB, we belive that the scalpel-less and needle-free vasectomy method is the most modern, comfortable, and effective vasectomy method available today.

Lasers are not used for vasectomy – but if a good laser vasectomy technique is developed we will definitely examine its potential benefits relative to our current methods.

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