Vasectomy

Vasectomy is a common procedure performed on men to achieve sterility. It can be performed under local anaesthetic, sedation or general anaesthetic, but Mr MacLeod's usual preference is to perform this procedure under general anaesthetic.

How long does the Surgery take?

The operation takes 10-minutes or so to perform through a small incision on both sides of the scrotum. Local anaesthetic is used to numb the area and the incisions are closed with dissolvable sutures. The procedure is performed as a day surgery, and usually a telephone review occurs with Mr MacLeod a fortnight or so later.

What should I expect following my vasectomy?

• Discomfort. This is variable amongst patients, but is rarely severe. You will be discharged with painkillers and instructions for icepacks and supportive underwear.

• Swelling. Any operation on the scrotum comes with associated bruising and swelling, which is usually of minimal consequence and resolves after a week or so. A firm painful swelling may rarely represent a haematoma (collection of blood), which often will also resolve with time but may rarely need drainage.

• Problems – Rare complications of vasectomy include bleeding, infection, failure of the procedure and chronic pain.

• At the follow review, Mr MacLeod will arrange for you to have a semen-analysis at the 12-week post operative mark which will confirm the procedure has been successful. Contraception should continue to be used until a semen analysis confirms sterility.