Minimizing Pain During Vasectomy: The Mini-Needle Anesthetic Technique

Abstract

PURPOSE: We describe pain scores for a modified anesthesia technique for no-scalpel vasectomy using a 1-inch 30 gauge mini-needle. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective study was performed in 277 patients who received anesthesia using a 3 cc syringe filled with approximately 2 cc 2% lidocaine without epinephrine and a 1-inch 30 gauge needle. Local anesthesia was given directly to the vas at the expected surgical site on each side. RESULTS: Mean +/- SD pain intensity score on the 10 cm visual analog scale was 1.5 +/- 1.6 (95% CI 1.3-1.7) during the anesthesia and 0.6 +/- 1.0 (95% CI 0.5-0.7) during the procedure. Patients experienced less pain during anesthesia and the procedure than they expected before vasectomy (average 3.1 +/- 1.8, 95% CI 2.8-3.3). CONCLUSIONS: The mini-needle technique provides excellent anesthesia for no-scalpel vasectomy. It compares favorably to the standard vasal block and other anesthetic alternatives with the additional benefit of minimal equipment and less anesthesia.