VASECTOMY

 

A vasectomy is a surgical procedure used as a form of male contraception. It involves cutting or blocking the vas deferens, the tubes that carry sperm from the testicles to the urethra. This procedure prevents sperm from mixing with the semen that is ejaculated from the penis. As a result, the semen no longer contains sperm, which means it can't cause pregnancy.

​

The procedure is typically done under local anesthesia and is known for being quick and having a low risk of complications. It's considered a permanent form of birth control, although in some cases, it can be reversed through a more complicated surgical procedure. In certain cases, or if there are specific medical considerations, a doctor might opt to use general anesthesia.

​

After a vasectomy, it's important to note that it takes some time before the semen is free of sperm. Men are usually advised to have follow-up semen tests to confirm the absence of sperm before relying on the vasectomy for contraception.

                                                                                                 

​

                                                                Anesthetic Implications for Vasectomy

​

Anesthesia type: General, local anesthesia, sedation, spinal

​

Airway: ETT or LMA

​​

Preoperative:

​​

• Commonly young and healthy patients

• Commonly done under local anesthesia unless anxiety or health issues

• A sensory level of T10 is required to block pain from testicular manipulation

​​

Intraoperative:

​

• Position: supine

• Duration: 30-60 minutes

• A small incision is made into the scrotum on both sides

• The vas deferens is isolated and ligated

• Manipulation of the genitals can cause profound vagal bradycardia 

​

Postoperative:

​

• After this surgery, the testicles will continue to produce sperm,  but the sperm will be reabsorbed by the body

• PONV prophylaxis

• Pain management

​​

Complications:

​

• Scrotal hematoma

• Wound infection

• Swelling

• Bruising

​

​

Sources:

​

Elisha, S. (2010). Case Studies in Nurse Anesthesia.

​

Macksey, L. F. (2011). Surgical procedures and anesthetic implications: A handbook for nurse anesthesia practice. 

​

Jaffe, R. A. (2020). Anesthesiologist's Manual of Surgical Procedures (6th ed.). 

​

Singh-Radcliff, N. (2013). 5-Minute Anesthesia Consult.

​

​

​

​

 

​​

​​