Procedure
No Needle, No Scalpel Vasectomy (NSV) is a surgical procedure that results in male sterility. This is accomplished by stopping sperm from travelling through each vas deferens (the tube that carries sperm). The male reproductive system is seen in the first image on the right and the divided vas deferens is shown on the left. NSV involves using a sharp pair of forceps to open a small hole (~1cm) in the scrotum. Through this hole each vas deferens is brought out and the vasectomy is performed.
Three things are done to each vas deferens to ensure the highest success rate possible. The vas deferens is cut, one end is cauterized and tucked back into the spermatic cord sheath, which is then closed snuggly around the other end. This is illustrated in the second photo. The vas is then replaced into the scrotum and the procedure is complete!
Fig 2. Published in the BMC Urology 2004, 4: 10