Laser Vasectomy – Exploring the Option

A laser vasectomy is more than the usual vasectomy, wherein the tubes of the vas deferens are either cut or blocked to prevent sperm from passing through. A vasectomy is generally regarded as a permanent form of birth control, although reversing the procedure is possible but not recommended.

The main difference of a laser vasectomy with a regular scalpel or no-scalpel vasectomy is that a laser beam is used to cut the vas tubes. Since laser treatments have grown in popularity, it has also been applied to the surgical procedure for a vasectomy.

Laser stands for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation, which is also used as a cure for kidney stones, skin lesions, bladder tumours and many more. In a vasectomy, a small incision is made in the vas tube usually with a surgical blade or scalpel. A laser vasectomy cannot be performed at this stage since not just a small cut would be made, but an entire hole would be burned into the tissues. Instead of using a pair of surgical scissors, the laser beam is used in a vasectomy to cut the vas tubes. The ends are then tied in this type of vasectomy in the same way that it would have been done in a traditional one.

Some doctors also perform a laser vasectomy by using the beam to cut through the skin. However, this vasectomy method may destroy some nerve endings and blood vessels unnecessarily and requires great skill and experience from the surgeon.

The Risks Involved with a Laser Vasectomy

However, if you are considering a laser vasectomy, be aware that the Food and Drug Administration has not approved any of these methods, particularly in joining together the ends of the vas tubes in a reverse vasectomy. A laser can only be used in a reverse vasectomy when it is for removal of the vasectomy scar and for freeing up the surrounding tissue. However, a vasectomy reversal where a laser was used is not advisable when trying to reconnect vas tubes since stitches are still superior to the laser beams, especially in ensuring that there are less complications after the surgery.

Since a laser vasectomy is a relatively new development, most urologists believe that there is no added advantage to using a laser beam compared to other surgical tools. Even when a traditional vasectomy is done over a laser vasectomy, the bleeding will be minimal and the healing period remains the same. While it is true that this type of vasectomy can help the doctor accomplish the operation in a lot less time, they have found that man made sutures and incisions are still safer and better.