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


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