One of the main concerns of men that are considering undergoing a vasectomy procedure is regarding anaesthesia. Am I going to be awake during the procedure? Will I require local or general anaesthesia? Am I going to feel any kind of pain? What are the side effects of each type of anaesthesia?
The no-scalpel vasectomy surgery is an innovative technique that was developed in China in the 1980s, and it became popular in the 1990s in the US because it is a minimally invasive and almost painless procedure that is just as effective at sterilizing a man as the more traditional scalpel version.
But in either case, the interest in being sedated during the procedure has been continuing to grow, and you have options. Our team at Vasectomy Australia offers IV sedation at select clinics and local anaesthesia options for you to consider.
Here’s what you need to know about them.
IV Sedation
Not every patient is a candidate for IV sedation. IV sedation is considered when a patient feels a lot of anxiety about the surgery or when the use of local anaesthesia is not enough. This type of anaesthesia is used for minor surgeries, as a general anaesthetic isn’t necessary.
The process involves applying the sedative through an IV placed in a vein, and the amount of sedation transferred can go from minimal to deep. Unlike general anaesthesia, you won’t be unconscious during the procedure and the level of sedation you have will vary according to factors like your age, how your body responds to anaesthesia, any underlying medical conditions, and habits.
At a minimal sedation level, you will be fully conscious, but in a state of calmness and relaxation, you will be virtually awake and capable of responding to verbal suggestions. On a moderate level, you may probably fall asleep and you may remember just a few details about the procedure. Finally, on a deeper level, you will sleep through the procedure and won’t have any memory of it.
No matter which level of sedation you have, you will feel comfortable during the procedure and this will make it easier for the doctor to carry out the vasectomy. Patients are able to recover faster and continue with their normal routine, unlike general anaesthesia which takes more time.
An IV sedation is also preferred to general anaesthesia because it doesn’t require a placement of an endotracheal tube in your respiratory tract to maintain breathing and it doesn’t alter your heart rate, which means that your vital functions won’t require additional assistance. It is comparatively safer than a general anaesthetic.
Local Anaesthesia
In most cases, the no-scalpel vasectomy can be performed with the use of a local anaesthetic alone. There are two techniques to deliver it, though we use the traditional injection technique.
The traditional technique involves a slight sting on insertion, as it involves injecting the anaesthetic into the scrotal skin. You may feel a little discomfort, though how much someone will experience a sensation, will be determined individually. Most describe it as something like a mosquito bite and after several sprays on both sides, you will stop feeling any pain. In some cases, patients who are too anxious may require additional anaesthesia during the middle of the procedure, but most patients don’t need it.
What are the Side Effects of Anaesthesia?
You may experience these minor side effects after coming off of an anaesthetic, but they usually don’t last long:
- Dizziness.
- Headache.
- Blurred Vision.
- Dry Mouth.
- Nausea or vomiting.
- Weakness.
Vasectomy Surgery Anaesthesia
No-scalpel vasectomy surgery is the safest birth control method for men. The risk of complications is very low, and the procedure takes just a few minutes as a means to achieving a permanent birth control option.
Depending on your levels of anxiety, health conditions, and habits, you may or may not be awake during the vasectomy procedure. The Vasectomy Australia team, including the vasectomy clinic in South Yarra, Melbourne, will evaluate each case to determine which anesthesia option is best for you. Our focus is on using the most advanced anesthesia options available and continually improving to maximize patient satisfaction and comfort with minimal side effects.
If you have other questions or concerns about the vasectomy procedure, we’d love to help clarify them for you. Please contact us at 1800 SNIPME (1800 764 763) or email us at info@vasectomyaustralia.com.au
About The Author
Geoff Cashion
Dr Cashion was born in Brisbane and grew up in Rockhampton. After graduating in medicine from the University of Queensland in 2002 he spent many years working in emergency medicine and general practice. He completed training in the No Scalpel Vasectomy technique under Dr Doug Stein in Florida with further training undertaken in Australia. Opening Vasectomy Australia, he has grown it into one of the largest providers of Vasectomy in Australia, while still performing more than 3500 vasectomies a year himself.
