[Frequency of recanalization after vasectomy. Experiences from 2.563 sterilizations].
BACKGROUND
Vasectomy is a simple and common operation used worldwide for contraception. The present study sought to determine the rate of recanalisation after vasectomy and whether it is associated with the level of surgical experience.


METHODS
Altogether 2563 vasectomies were conducted from 1 January 1997 to 1 January 2001. Postoperative semen analysis was performed in all subjects to ensure sterility.


RESULTS
Seventy-nine per cent of patients submitted a semen sample for analysis. Fifteen per cent of the samples contained sperm. These subjects were asked to provide additional samples until azoospermia was diagnosed. Out of the 2563 vasectomies, 36 patients were reoperated, thus yielding a calculated incidence of recanalisation of 1.4%. The rate of recanalisation could not be associated with the level of experience by the operating surgeon.


CONCLUSIONS
Vasectomy is a safe surgical procedure that can be performed with a low rate of failure by surgeons with limited surgical experience. Our results indicate that intermittent appearance of sperm can occur early after vasectomy. Consequently, reoperation should be performed on a conservative basis and solely in subjects in whom repeated semen analysis has failed to provide evidence of azoospermia.
Nielsen
Michael Festersen
MF
Horsens Sygehus, organkirurgisk afdeling. nielsenm@post7.tele.dk
Sørensen
Viggo Tønning
VT
Sørensen
Steen
S
D002983:Clinical Competence; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009845:Oligospermia / Q000175:diagnosis; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000175:diagnosis; D012086:Reoperation; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013076:Sperm Count; D017211:Treatment Failure; D014659:Vasectomy / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards