Learning objectives
The main purpose of this poster is to describe normal ultrasound (US) changes after vasectomy and its complications.
Background
Vasectomy is the most effective mode of permanent male contraception and the only method that is widely available. The procedure involves interruption or occlusion of each vas deferens and is typically performed in an outpatient setting under local anesthesia. Vasectomy is the fourth most commonly-used contraceptive after condoms, oral contraceptives, and tubal ligation [1]. Compared to tubal ligation, which is the other common method of permanent contraception, vasectomy is equally effective in preventing pregnancy, but vasectomy is simpler, faster, less expensive and safer. Vasectomy is...
Findings and procedure details
Accessing the vasa can be achieved with a single or double incision to the scrotum using a scalpel or with the no-scalpel technique using special instruments. No-scalpel vasectomy has been shown to reduce the risk of complications (i.e., bleeding and infection) compared with the incision technique [4].
Technique options can be divided into three components of vasectomy: acceding the vasa, disrupting the vasa and closing the surgical site. Disruption of the vasa can be performed in numerous ways. Simple suture ligation with excision likely is...
Conclusion
US is the modality of choice for imaging of scrotal complications after vasectomy. As radiologists, we need to be familiar with sonographic findings of postvasectomy changes to be able to distinguish them from other epididymal or testicular diseases to avoid unnecessary biopsy or surgical exploration. And we also have a vital role in the diagnosis of complications after vasectomy.
Personal information and conflict of interest
M. A. Hoyas García; Madrid/ES - nothing to disclose J. M. Cubero Carralero; Madrid/ES - nothing to disclose B. Corral Ramos; Madrid/ES - nothing to disclose I. Zubiaguirre Telleria; Madrid/ES - nothing to disclose J. H. Álvarez Cuenca; Madrid/ES - nothing to disclose C. Rodríguez Robles; Madrid/ES - nothing to disclose P. Concejo Iglesias; Leganés (Madrid)/ES - nothing to disclose W. A. Ocampo Toro; Madrid/ES - nothing to disclose J. M. Sánchez Bermejo; Madrid/ES - nothing to disclose
References
Martinez GM, Chandra A, Abma JC, et al. Fertility, contraception, and fatherhood: data on men and women from cycle 6 (2002) of the 2002 National Survey of Family Growth. Vital Health Stat 23 2006; :1.
Thon WF, Stief CG, Jonas U. [Vasectomy: minor intervention–grave sequelae]. Urologe A 1992; 31: 55–7.
Benjamin R. Not all births are ‘blessed events’: legal perils of vasectomy. Minn Med 1978; 61: 659–61.
Cook LA, Pun A, Gallo MF, et al. Scalpel versus no-scalpel incision for vasectomy. Cochrane Database Syst Rev...