Surgical Methods of Family Planning
Reproductive Health of Class 12
They are also called terminal methods of family planning. Surgical methods are permanent methods of family planning where there is no need of replacement or augmentation but the reversibility is poor. The methods are operative procedures which block the passage of semen in males and ova in females. The techniques are also called sterilisation procedures. They are called vasectomy in males and tubectomy in females.
Vasectomy (L. vas—vessel, ekotme—excision): It is a surgical method of sterilisation of males. Vasa deferentia are blocked by cutting and occluding them so that sperms are unable to pass down the male reproductive system.
- Conventional Vasectomy (Scalpel Surgery): Under local anaesthesia, transverse 1 cm incision is made through the skin of the scrotum with the help of the scalpel over the area of vasa deferentia. Each vas is exposed and cut. The two ends are separated and tied. A gap of 1-4 cm is must between the two ends otherwise reunion can occur.
- No-scalpel Vasectomy: Here instead of scalpel, a dissecting forceps and a ringed forceps are required. The skin is punctured and the vas is taken out. It is occluded by removal of 1-2 cm followed by ligation of ends. Occlusion can also be achieved by heat and clips. Vasectomy is a reversible procedure as the cut ends can be joined together to open the sperm passage.
Tubectomy (L.tubus–pipe, ektome–excision):
It is a surgical procedure of female sterilisation where a portion of both the fallopian tubes is excised or ligated to block the passage of ovum through them. Tubectomy is performed by conventional transabdominal surgery, conventional laparotomy and minilaparotomy. In surgical procedures, the follopian tubes are cut and the cut ends tied to prevent reunion. The procedure is reversible as the cut ends can be rejoined. In laparoscopic procedure, sterlisation is achieved by loop development and constricting the basal region of loop with the help of silastic ring either through a small incision in the abdomen or through vagina.
