Dr Bruce Errey and the Open-Ended Vasectomy: Continuing a Legacy
Who Was Dr Bruce Errey?
Dr Bruce Errey dedicated his career to men’s reproductive health and was a recognised leader in vasectomy technique and training throughout Australia.
During his decades of practice, he refined a method that would later become internationally known as the open-ended vasectomy, a technique that differs from the traditional method by leaving one end of the vas deferens open.
By the time he retired, Dr Errey had personally performed over 30,000 vasectomies.
What Is an Open-Ended Vasectomy?
In most conventional vasectomy procedures, both ends of the vas deferens, the tubes carrying sperm, are sealed.
Dr Errey refined an alternative: the open-ended vasectomy. One end of the vas deferens is left open to relieve pressure within the system while the other is carefully sealed and separated.
This adjustment was designed to:
- Reduce the likelihood of pressure-related discomfort or post-operative congestion pain
- Minimise internal scarring
- Allow a smoother recovery
- Preserve future options for reversal should life circumstances change
Read more about the benefits of an open-ended vasectomy here.Â
These outcomes are based on surgical principles rather than guarantees; as with any medical procedure, individual experiences vary.
A Connection Through Professor Earl Owen
The late Professor Earl Owen, known internationally as the father of microsurgery, recognised the importance of Dr Errey’s innovation.
He encouraged Dr Chris Lekich, then one of his mentees, to train directly under Dr Errey to master the technique.
Read our last blog post on Professor Earl Owen.Â
Dr Errey believed vasectomy should not only protect male fertility interests but also support women’s health. Many of his female patients were seeking alternatives to hormonal contraception, particularly those who could no longer take the oral contraceptive pill because of vein or circulation issues. His approach offered couples a safe, non-hormonal solution to contraception.
When Dr Errey retired, he asked Dr Lekich to succeed him. To this day, the open-ended technique has remained part of The Metrocentre Way.
Dr Chris Lekich was later approached by Dr Barry Walters to continue his Victorian open-ended vasectomy practice. Dr Walters performed over 15,000 vasectomies out of his clinic, operating for more than 30 years. Â
The Metrocentre Way
The Metrocentre Way integrates the collective wisdom and surgical advancements of Professor Earl Owen, Dr Bruce Errey, and Dr Chris Lekich. Our vasectomy service includes:
- The open-ended technique, designed to reduce internal pressure within the reproductive tract
- Local anaesthetic, walk-in/walk-out convenience
- Emphasis on couples’ health
- Access to follow-up support and, if ever needed, microsurgical reversal expertise
- Onsite ultrasound assessment with Australian Ultrasound Specialists
Looking Ahead
For individuals or couples considering a vasectomy, learning about different techniques, including the open-ended approach, is an important step. Always discuss the procedure, its benefits, risks and alternatives with your doctor to determine what is right for you.
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