Sterility
can be achieved by any method that prevents the transport of sperms
from the testis to the penis in the form of ejaculation. During vasectomy,
the vas deferens is disconnected by removing a little piece
of vas and both ends of vas are clipped or tied. In addition
the two ends can be cauterized. By these measures, a standard vasectomy
in good hands is nearly 100% effective. Over all failure rate for vasectomy
is 0.2%.
It
is also possible to clip the vas to occlude its lumen (without
cutting a piece of it) to produce the same effect as vasectomy.
However, because there is no complete disconnect in simple clipping
of the vas, the reported failure rate is about 2.5%.
The
clips used to occlude vas for sterilization are made of different materials.
The occlusive vas clips have long been reported
in medical literature with successful results (Fertil Steril.
1977 Oct;28(10):1086-9).
Newer
clips recently made available on the market may cost
up to $400.00 and are yet not covered by most insurances. For
those interested we offer this method with advance payment for the purchase
of these clips.
Regular
titanium clips used in many other surgeries (to occlude bleeding blood
vessels) have been used for standard vasectomy for decades and are free
of any major side effects. These clips have also been used for occlusive
purposes to block vas and are as effective (if not more) as the newly
advertised clips (Fertil Steril. 1977 Oct;28(10):1086-9).These titanium
hemoclips are not ferromagnetic, do not interfere with MRI studies and
the small amounts used in hemoclips and dental implants do not set off
metal detector alarms. There is no additional expense for these kind
of clips and most insurances cover their cost. We offer occlusive clips
of all kinds and let patients make their educated choice.
