IngentaConnect Complications of vasectomy

Authors: Awsare, Ninaad S.¹; Krishnan, Jai¹; Boustead, Greg B.¹; Hanbury, Damian C.¹; McNicholas, Thomas A.¹

Source: Annals of The Royal College of Surgeons of England, Volume 87, Number 6, November 2005 , pp. 406-410(5)

Publisher: The Royal College of Surgeons of England

Abstract:

Introduction: Vasectomy is a common method of sterilisation. However, it is less popular than tubal ligation world-wide. It is also a frequent cause of litigation relating to its complications. This article reviews the early and late risks associated with the procedure.

Patients and Methods: Data collection was done using the internet to search Medline for obtaining evidence-based medicine reviews. Cross-references were obtained from key articles. Websites of government bodies and medical associations were searched for guidelines relating to vasectomy.

Discussion: Early complications include haematoma, wound and genito-urinary infections, and traumatic fistulae. Vasectomy failure occurs in 0-2% of patients. Late recanalisation causes failure in 0.2% of vasectomies. Significant chronic orchalgia may occur in up to 15% of men after vasectomy, and may require epididyectomy or vasectomy reversal. Antisperm antibodies develop in a significant proportion of men post-vasectomy, but do not increase the risk of immune-complex or atherosclerotic heart disease. Similarly, vasectomy does not enhance risk of testicular or prostate cancer. Vasectomy has a lower mortality as compared to tubal occlusion, but is still significantly high in non-industrialised countries because of infections.

Conclusions: Vasectomy, though safe and relatively simple, requires a high level of expertise to minimise complications. Adequate pre-operative counselling is essential to increase patient acceptability of this method of permanent contraception.

Keywords: VASECTOMY; COMPLICATIONS; BLEEDING; INFECTION; CHRONIC PAIN; PROSTATE CANCER; STERILISATION DEATH

Document Type: Review article

DOI: 10.1308/003588405X71054

Affiliations: 1: Department of Urology, Lister Hospital, Stevenage, UK