What does vasotomy mean?
Vasotomy is a surgical term for an incision into the vas deferens, the muscular duct that transports sperm from the epididymis toward the ejaculatory ducts. The word is used in specialist medical writing, particularly when describing an operation involving direct access to the vas deferens. Its clearest relation is to vasectomy: a vasotomy identifies the incision itself, while a vasectomy names the larger procedure in which the vas deferens is cut, removed, or blocked, usually with the aim of preventing conception. This distinction matters because the two terms can appear in similar clinical contexts but do not describe precisely the same act. Although relatively uncommon in general conversation, vasotomy is useful for understanding surgical terminology and reports involving the male reproductive system.
nounA surgical incision into the vas deferens, the duct that carries sperm from the epididymis toward the ejaculatory ducts. The term may also refer to the operative procedure involving such an incision.
- A surgical incision into the vas deferens or an operation involving such an incision.
"The surgeon performed a vasotomy to access the vas deferens during the operation."
"The surgeon made a vasotomy to access the vas deferens during the procedure."
"The medical report described the vasotomy as part of a reconstructive operation."
The plural refers to multiple surgical incisions or operations involving the vas deferens.
"The surgeon performed two vasotomies during the procedure."
Vasotomy names the cut, while vasectomy names the fertility-changing operation—an important distinction for a surprisingly consequential little word.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does vasotomy come from?
Vasotomy combines the medical prefix vas-, referring to the vas deferens, with the Greek combining form -otomy, from tomein, “to cut.” The underlying Latin vas means a vessel or duct, while vas deferens is the anatomical name formed from vas and the Latin deferens, “carrying down.” The compound belongs to a wider family of medical terms including vasectomy and vasovasostomy, all associated with operations on the vas deferens.
How vasotomy is actually used
This is a technical medical term used chiefly in surgical, clinical, and historical medical writing. It is related to vasectomy but should not be used as a synonym for it.
Easily confused with vasotomy
A vasotomy is an incision into the vas deferens, whereas a vasectomy is an operation that cuts, removes, or blocks the vas deferens, usually to prevent the passage of sperm.