Researchers conducted this study to compare the intra-operative experience and postoperative sequelae between the standard Marie Stopes scalpel vasectomy procedure and electrocautery non-scalpel vasectomy (ENSV) techniques.
The study design used was a randomized prospective comparative study.
The study setting was Marie Stopes vasectomy centers in the UK.
A total of 325 men undergoing vasectomy between January and June 1999 participated in the study.
The present study had an intervention Random allocation to the two study arms plus questionnaires at 4 and 14 weeks postoperatively.
The primary outcome measures Ease and speed of the procedure; pain levels during and after the process; early postoperative complications, and time is taken to return to work and sexual activity.
The ENSV technique was marginally quicker to perform. Pain levels intra-operatively were comparable. Response rates to the questionnaire were 84.6% and 37% at 4 and 14 weeks, respectively. The ENSV group experienced less pain and bleeding from the wound postoperatively and were quicker to heal.
The study concluded that the ENSV procedure appears to be suitable for mass application in locations where electricity is available.
Reference: https://srh.bmj.com/content/29/2/32
