Dr Heatley trained ten years ago with three local specialists and is assisted by nurses Joyce Skeet, Mary Pascoe & Helen Power. Uniquely they can offer Vasectomies by either of the main procedures:- cut and tie, or electrocoagulation. The former method has a higher initial sterilization rate, but is more invasive, with a greater risk of the usual complications. The second and preferred procedure uses electrocoagulation. Only two small incisions are required and no sutures are used. It is less traumatic with a very quick recovery time and few if any complications.

Importantly, for the man it is remarkably painless, with particular care taken to minimize any discomfort. A typical remark from one patient after this procedure was that it "hurt less than a blood test." Simple analgesics are often needed after the local anaesthetic wears off, but usually only for a few hours. Patients are supplied with a sheet of analgesia and given one oral dose of an antibiotic. As a result we have not had any post-op infections. The electrocoagulation unit also allows any small "bleeders" to be cauterized and we have had no serious haematomas using this system. We do however encourage the man to take one day’s rest after the operation.

The operation itself takes 15 minutes and a list runs on Tuesday & Friday afternoons. The operating room is purpose built, and fully equipped for safety and comfort. Instruments are sent to a central sterilising department at the local hospital for cleaning & sterilising.

Contraceptive sterility cannot be guaranteed until two semen samples have been tested clear after 3 months. We usually provide these tests.

To refer a patient for Vasectomy please telephone 0844 815 1072 or write to Holbrook Surgery, Bartholomew Way, Horsham, RH12 5JL. Alternatively, if easier, the patient can contact us directly.

Site last updated 30/9/08