No-scalpel vasectomy is the modern technique, which is safer, less uncomfortable and has a shorter recovery time than a scalpel vasectomy. The British Association of no-scalpel vasectomists is working to replace scalpel vasectomy with no-scalpel vasectomy as the standard procedure in the UK and abroad. Vasectomy is the operation which prevents a man from fathering further children. It does not affect sexual performance or general wellbeing.
The no-scalpel vasectomy service (NSV) is part of the County Durham & Darlington Community Health Services, specialist services directorate. Our dedicated team consists of a specialist service manager, 3 accredited GPwSI's an experienced nurse practitioner, health care assistant and an administrative secretary. The aim of the no-scalpel vasectomy service is to give evidenced based care to men aged 18 years and above, who have requested a vasectomy and who are medically classed as non complex. The no-scalpel method is recommended as best practice by the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) as it reduces the risk of bleeding, infection and pain. (RCOG, 2004.). The service has a commitment to delivering best practice and has been acknowledged as a service leader, both locally and nationally, having 2 service awards. It puts patient safety, privacy and dignity, and the positive patient experience at the heart of the service delivery, enabling effective and timely access, whilst providing patient choice. Patients are offered appointments in a range of locations. The community based service provides a 'one stop shop' facility, expert assessment, triage and management of patients who have requested a no-scalpel vasectomy from their GP. This includes pre assessment, consent, and procedure, post operative testing, information, guidance and support in accordance with the commissioned patient pathway. Where is the service provided from?
When is the service provided?
Appointment contact details Tel: 01325 746292 Monday to Thursday 10am - 4pm How do people access the service? Referrals are received from the GP directly to the no-Scalpel vasectomy service via choose and book. Patients will receive information from their GP requesting them to telephone and make an appointment at a time and venue most convenient to their individual needs Patient information How long does the procedure take? The procedure itself takes up to 30 minutes, however a 45 minute appointment time is given to include assessment, counselling, and consent. How soon after the operation can you go back to work? You should not do heavy physical labour for at least 72 hours after your vasectomy. If your job doesn't involve this kind of work, you can go back sooner if you feel comfortable. It is recommended however that you rest for 24 hours following the procedure to reduce the chances of complications. This will be discussed at your appointment, as individual circumstances will be taken into account. Are there long term health risks? Over 10 studies have evaluated more than 20,000 men who have had vasectomies, documenting their progress for up to 25 years after the procedure. The data indicates that men having a vasectomy are no more likely to develop cancer, heart disease or other health problems, than any other man. Can a vasectomy be reversed? An estimated 2% to 6% of men undergoing vasectomy may request a reversal at a later date. In many cases, the cut ends of the vas deferens can be surgically reattached. However, this operation does not guarantee a return to fertility. Vasectomy reversal appears to be more successful if performed within 10 years of the vasectomy, but again there is no guarantee that fertility will be restored. Vasectomy should therefore be considered a permanent procedure. Before a vasectomy is decided upon, the man must make quite sure that he and his partner do not want any more children. If they are thinking about a reversal now, perhaps they should take more time to decide whether vasectomy is the right form of birth control. Generally reversals of vasectomies are not funded by the NHS, and this is the case in County Durham and Darlington. How can you find out more about no-Scalpel vasectomies? Patient information leaflets are sent to each patient with a confirmation letter of their appointment date and time. If you require more information, staff are available to speak to via phone or an appointment can be made with the GPwSI to discuss any issues. No-scalpel vasectomy team General Practitioners with special interest in no-Scalpel vasectomy (GPwSI): Dr. Andrew Baines, Dr. Andrew Michie, Dr. Gordon Gowens Nurse practitioner: Jayne Sheehan Administrative secretary: Loraine Dodds Useful links: British Association of No-scalpel vasectomists-BANSV www.bansv.org Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists-RCOG www.rcog.org.uk
'As I was very, very nervous, I must have been the worst patient ever and they were brilliant with me and I can't thank them enough - could you please pass on my sincere thanks.'
Patient, Hysteroscopy Unit, Chester-le-Street Community Hospital