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No-Scalpel Vasectomy (NSV) is a Chinese technology developed in the mid 1970's. If traditional vasectomy is in fact a surgery operation using a scalpel, NSV uses two special non-traumatic tools to provide a quicker, safer and less painful procedure. In united States NSV was performed for the first time in the 1980's.

For better understanding of differences between traditional vasectomy and NSV, a short description is welcome.

NSV technique means that both male vasa are accessed through a single quite small " entry point into a region of the scrotum that has been "numbed" by local anesthesia. This tiny opening into the scrotum is performed by one of two special NSV instruments. The role of the second tool is to gently secure the vasa, one at a time, in a spot that has also been made "without sensation". Then the vasa then carefully sectioned, and the two parts are sealed with non-reactive metal clips. Due to natural muscle tone in the scrotum, the small entry in the skin closes by itself very quick. Actually there is no need for a skin suture.

NSV procedures are by far better tolerated than non-NSV, although it also concludes that in the hands of a good surgeon, there is little difference between the two methods. Among of NSV advantage we may count fast healing, less tenderness as well as a lower complication rate. Placement of one clip at each end has a failure rate of 1 to 1.5%.

Valerian D is a freelance writer interested in issues affecting men such as vasectomy