Male sterilization and a modified vasectomy hook.

Vasectomy is discussed, and the advantages of a new vasectomy hook which has been modified by the author are reported. The difference between castration and vasectomy is emphasized. In castration, male hormone, sperm, and seminal fluid routes are cut. In vasectomy, only the vas deferens, the sperm route, is blocked. Vasectomy takes only 10-20 minutes to complete. There are 2 kinds of incisions to expose the vas: a single or median incision on the median raphe of the scrotum, and bilateral incisions just above the vasa. The length of the incision is about 1 cm. There are many indications for vasectomy including the prevention of future pregnancy, because the couple already has as many children as they can afford to rear. A preoperative interview is necessary in order to ascertain whether the couple are mentally competent and understand the operation. In the description of the operative techniques, Lee's vasectomy hook is discussed. It is stainless steel; pointed, tipped, and angular in shape, and its shaft is gradually enlarged in circumference. By using the vasectomy hook, the exposed vas is easily and bluntly separated from its coverings and held for the next step in the operation. After the operation, the patient is cautioned to use some type of contraceptive until it is determined that there are no sperm in his ejaculate.