A new way to get the old snip snip.

January 19, 2002 6:23 PM

A new way to get the old snip snip. A Johns Hopkins researcher has developed a new vasectomy technique that uses ultrasound to clog up the tubes without any incision. Of course, they've only done on dogs so far. On the other hand, the article also claims that the procedure could be done by non-physicians. Do-it-yourself? Personally, I want to make sure that the person permanently altering my family jewels does have that M.D. sheepskin on the wall.
posted by KirkJobSluder (9 comments total)

The cut ends of the tube are then ... cauterized to seal them shut

I don't know, I'd miss the smell....
posted by victors at 6:42 PM on January 19, 2002

But can the procedure be reversed? One of the benefits of the current vasectomy is that it's possible to reconnect the vas deferens - in a procedure called a vasovasostomy - with surprisingly reliable results. Last I read, there was a 97% success if performed within three years of the vastectomy. The success rate drops by a point or two with every passing year
posted by Monk at 6:57 PM on January 19, 2002

I think an equally valid point is does this last? As monk said it's easy to connect them, which means the body will do it naturally if not done completely. I'd wait and see 3 years from now if people are having a bunch of unexpected kids.
posted by geoff. at 7:17 PM on January 19, 2002

" I'd wait and see 3 years from now if people are having a bunch of unexpected kids."

To quote Ian Malcolm:

"I am merely stating that uhh... life finds a way."
posted by mr_crash_davis at 7:22 PM on January 19, 2002

Firing a pulse of ultrasound for between 20 and 50 seconds heats the vas deferens to over 122 Fahrenheit, the magazine said....

AAAAAIIIIIIIIIUUUUUUUGH!!!
posted by phalkin at 8:36 PM on January 19, 2002

I'm glad I had it done the old way, even though I had to miss a week of work. I certaianly want a non doctor commiting surgery down there.
posted by scottymac at 10:31 PM on January 19, 2002

Yeah, because, you know, you might end up sterile or something if an amateur does it.
posted by kindall at 10:37 PM on January 19, 2002

Sorry, my bad. I certainly don't want a non doctor commiting surgery down there.

(note to self) Your proofreading skills could use some work.
posted by scottymac at 10:41 PM on January 19, 2002

122 degrees? doesn't sound bad. Anyway, it's the recovery period that's rough. The old procedure is quick and with a local anesthetic and a big shot of Valium, it's a breeze-through. But afterward...ouch.
posted by StOne at 11:41 PM on January 19, 2002