vasectomy /vasek″təmē/ [L, vas + Gk, ektomē, excision] , a procedure for male sterilization involving the bilateral surgical removal of a part of the vas deferens. Vasectomy is most commonly performed at an outpatient surgery center with local anesthesia. The procedure is also performed routinely before removal of the prostate gland to prevent inflammation of the testes and epididymides. Potency is not affected.
