Dr Rupert Gabriel has over 10 years experience in the field of No Scalpel Vasectomy (NSV) and offers his services at private clinics held at the Snowberry Lane Clinic, Spa Medical Centre, Snowberry Lane, Melksham. Operations are available for referred and self referred patients, following an initial consultation.
The procedure itself is performed under local anaesthetic and usually takes about 15 minutes. Recovery rates are 40 – 50% quicker than conventional vasectomy and the technique has consistently shown to be associated with a ten-fold reduction in complications with much reduced post-operative pain.
When considering a vasectomy it is important to note that it is a permanent method of contraception. We recommend that you consider your options carefully with your partner before electing for No Scalpel Vasectomy. During your initial consultation, the surgeons will explore all options available with you to ensure that you make the right choice for your circumstances.
How does the No Scalpel Vasectomy differ from Conventional Vasectomy?
In No Scalpel Vasectomy, the surgeon makes one tiny puncture with an instrument which is then used to gently stretch the opening it has made so that the vas deferens can be reached and blocked using the same method as conventional vasectomy. The new procedure can be carried out without the need for actual incision. There are no sutures so the wound heals far more quickly leaving no scar.
Dr Gabriel has over 10 years experience employing this technique and offers no-obligation consultations to discuss all aspects of the procedure. Some of the most frequently asked questions are answered in this leaflet.
How long will I need to take off work?
You should be able to return to light work the day after the procedure. Although please allow 2-3 days to be on the safe side. If your job is very physical or involves heavy lifting, a week off work is recommended.
How painful is the procedure?
There is a little discomfort with the local anaesthetic and once this has worn off any pain felt is only slight and can be treated with paracetamol or ibuprofen.
How long will the procedure take?
The actual procedure will only take 10 to 15 minutes, but please allow 45 minutes overall.
What happens after the procedure?
After the vasectomy, you will be given notes about what to expect. It is advisable to ask someone to drive you home.
Is there any risk to my health?
As with any operation there may be bruising and infection which is rarely serious and settles with time. Current evidence shows there are no side effects, in particular there is no increased risk of prostate cancer, testicular cancer or heart disease. Your sexual function is unaffected and indeed there is some evidence that sex may be better without the worry of unwanted pregnancy
How successful is the procedure and how will I know if it has been a success?
The current advice is that the failure rate for No Scalpel Vasectomy is 1:2000 (female sterilisation has a failure rate of 1:200). However, it is the most effective method of contraception available.
After the procedure there will still be active sperm in your system and we recommend you continue sexual activity with your partner using other methods of contraception until they are cleared. Once you have submitted two consecutive clear samples at 16 and 20 weeks after the procedure, we will let you know that the operation has been a success and other methods of contraception are no longer required. We will ask you to post your samples directly to the lab (you will be provided with postal bags). You may be asked for a third or fourth sample. This is nothing to worry about, even if the lab finds one dead sperm in a sample it will not give the all clear.
Will I notice any difference after the procedure?
There will be a marginal reduction in the volume of your ejaculate after the operation, You're unlikely to notice this difference.