The open technique is used with caution. This is because of an increased risk of herniation using the open method due to the open inguinal rings and the opening of the tunic. In the open method, an incision is made over the ventral aspect of each scrotal sac. The testes is retracted and the tunic is cut and stripped down exposing the vessels and cord. The cord and vessels are double ligated and replaced into the incision site and assessed for bleeding. The inguinal ring and/or tunic is then sutured closed and the procedure is repeated on the opposite side. The open method does allow the advantage of being able to visualize the vessels and greater security in knowing that the vessels are ligated. If an open castration is done by mistake, one can first try to close the tunic if only a small hole or tear is in the tunic. If the hole in the tunic is large, then one can close the inguinal ring. Also, with the open method there is the possibility of infection seeding into the abdomen.
Many prefer the closed method of castration. There is less of a chance of herniation with this method as the tunic remains closed. Again, an incision is made on the ventral aspect of each scrotum. The pedicle is then transfixed once and a circumferential ligature is placed so there are two ligatures on the pedicle. The scrotal skin is closed with tissue glue. The disadvantage of this method is the chance of a slipped ligature on the vessels due to decreased visualization.