The evolution of the Marie Stopes electrocautery no-scalpel vasectomy procedure.

OBJECTIVE

To review the evolution of the procedure, the reoperation rate and efficacy data for vasectomies performed in Marie Stopes centres during the periods 1990-1994 and 1995-1999.

DESIGN

Retrospective review of re-operation rates and primary and secondary failures during the periods 1990-1994 and 1995-1999.

SETTING

Marie Stopes vasectomy centres in the UK.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 41 123 men undergoing vasectomy.

RESULTS

The re-operation rate for the period 1990-1994 was 0.7% and fell to 0.46% for 1995-1999. The reported pregnancy rate fell from 1 in 1429 procedures for the period 1990-1994 to 1 in 2804 for 1995-1999.

CONCLUSION

The results show that vasectomy has had a low failure rate well below that of other methods of birth control. The outcome data continue to improve over time with the evolution of improved techniques and surgical expertise.