OCMA Member Profile: Theodore Benderev, M.D. October 22, 2013 OCMA Specialty Spotlight Dr. Theodore Benderev, OCMA Member Profile, Specialty Spotlight, World Vasectomy Day 0 World Vasectomy Day (WVD), which took place on Friday, October 18, 2013, is the largest male-oriented global family planning event. The goal was to perform 1,000 vasectomies by at least 100 doctors across 25 countries in 24 hours. OCMA member Theodore Benderev, M.D., founder of Vasectomy.com, led the charge for World Vasectomy Day in Southern California. In honor of this international day, Dr. Benderev has submitted an educational piece on the No-Needle No-Scalpel Vasectomy (below). The No-Needle No-Scalpel Vasectomy "As Good as it Gets" About Vasectomy Surgery The No-Scalpel Vasectomy was brought over from China in 1987. A procedure that was initially thought to be "gimmicky", the minimally invasive technique with minimal manipulation of tissue via special instrumentation was studied and found to indeed reduce the risk of bleeding and infection. In the hands of experienced surgeons, this sometimes challenging surgical procedure can be done through a 1 cm opening usually in less than 15 minutes. Though vasectomy has been the number one procedure performed on men in the U.S. (500,000/yr), there are twice as many tubal ligations done. Not surprising, nightmare stories of inadequate anesthesia have kept more men from taking the lead in permanent sterilization. That was so until approximately 10 years ago when a high powered anesthetic jet spray was found to provide superior deep local anesthesia without a needle - hence, a virtually pain free experience for the patient. As with nearly all surgical procedures, experience of the surgeon correlates with success. The smoothness and confidence of the surgeon is particularly important when men are awake and someone is working on a part of the body that men are hard-wired to protect. Combine the anxiety of the man with a Cremaster muscle that pulls the testicles out of harm's way (think George Castanza in Seinfeld) and within easy reach of the surgeon and one understands that the words "gentle and efficient technique" have a special meaning with vasectomies. What issues must be considered? Before each vasectomy, there is a consultation session with the patient and, preferably, with their partner to fully discuss the pros and cons of a vasectomy. The great benefit of a vasectomy is that the only better form of contraception is abstinence. Patients are thrilled with the freedom from contraception - fondly called "The Bedroom Bonus". The risks, though uncommon in experienced hands, are bleeding, infection and pain. What is the patient to expect post-operatively? Post operative pain is so uncommon that patients frequently forget that they have limitations and must remember to restrict their activity for the first few days after the procedure. In general, when patients have the procedure done on a Friday, they usually return to work on Monday. By the beginning of the second week, they can usually return to normal activity, except that sex without contraception must wait until at least one negative semen analysis. What if there is a change of mind? While vasectomies can be reversed in most cases during the first few years postoperatively, assurance must be obtained by the surgeon in the pre-operative consultation that the couple is in full agreement for permanent contraception. Despite excellent vasectomy reversal surgical technique and artificial reproductive technologies, in the 5-10% of couples who choose reversal later, there are cases when pregnancy may be difficult to achieve. Dr. Theodore Benderev founded Vasectomy.com 17 years ago and was the first known urologist to perform the No-Needle No-Scalpel Vasectomy in California. Dr. Benderev has performed over 2000 of these procedures. In addition, he has developed numerous surgical techniques and technologies with over 35 patents in various areas of urology. A board-certified urologist, he practices primarily in Mission Viejo and is a Clinical Professor in the Department of Urology at UCI. Besides his focus on vasectomies, Dr Benderev is Board sub-certified in Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery and is Medical Director of the Incontinence and Pelvic Support Institute. Dr. Benderev is a graduate of University of Maryland. He completed his urology residency training at Northwestern University in Chicago to prepare for an academic career. After a period as faculty member at UCI, he established a specialized center in south Orange County that to this day retains that special personal attention from each of his specially trained staff. A resident of Orange County since 1985, Dr. Benderev raised his family here and enjoys hiking and biking for leisure. When not on call, he looks forward to working about his cabin in Mariposa. Please contact Dr. Benderev at 888-VASECTOMY (or 949-364-4400) for any further information OCMA continues to profile and highlight our valued members. These profiles provide a forum for physicians to share information among their colleagues. It is important for members to be aware of one another. Maintaining a close community of engaged physicians is beneficial for both OCMA and the medical community. This is open to any current OCMA member. If you are interested in submitting an article and profile, please contact: Ashley Buchwald, OCMA Marketing/Communications Coordinator at abuchwald@ocma.org or (949) 398-8100 ext. 105. You may also contact Holly Appelbaum, Managing Editor, OCMA Bulletin, at happelbaum@ocma.org or (949) 398-8100 ext 106. Comments are closed.