Vasectomy complications at a family practice center

Vasectomy is a safe, effective, economical, and convenient form of permanent sterilization since it can be performed in an outpatient setting. Seventy-three vasectomies were performed during a nine-year period at the Kanawha Valley Family Practice Center. The procedures were performed by family practice residents under the active instruction and supervision of the attending staff. The complication type and frequency are as follows: epididymitis, 5.5 per cent; sperm granuloma, 2.7 per cent; wound infection, 1.4 per cent, and hematoma, 12 per cent. No failures occurred in this study group. All of the complications were minor and responded to conservative medical management. The results of this study reveal that vasectomy complications at this teaching family practice center are comparable to those reported in the medical literature. This study therefore supports the opinion that vasectomies can be performed safely and taught by trained family practitioners in the outpatient setting.