State-of-the art of non-hormonal methods of contraception: VI. Male sterilisation.

A systematic Medline/PubMed and Cochrane Library review of the literature was carried out with regard to technique, effectiveness, safety and complications of male sterilisation. Vasectomy is an outpatient procedure which can be performed under local anaesthesia. The vas deferens is accessed by means of either a conventional incision with a scalpel or by using the 'no-scalpel technique'. A closed-ended vasectomy (by means of suture ligature, surgical clips or electrocautery) or the open-ended alternative is then carried out. Each of these techniques has both advantages and drawbacks. Fascial interposition has been shown to reduce the risk of failure. A promising alternative for occluding the vas consists of placing an intra-vas device. Haematoma and pain are the most common complications. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, narcotic analgesics and neuroleptic drugs are effective for treatment of pain. The success of vasectomy reversal ranges from 30-60%. The data on record convincingly demonstrate that vasectomy is a safe and cost-effective intervention for permanent male contraception. The no-scalpel vasectomy under local anaesthesia is recommended. Occlusion of the vas is most successful when performed by means of an electrocautery; fascial interposition should complete the procedure.