Vasectomy complications minimal.

Vasectomy has 1 of the lowest incidences of side effects when compared with other contraceptive methods. No deaths have been attributed to the procedure in developed countries. Selected largescale studies in Great Britain, Korea, and the US between 1973-74, show that the overall incidence of complications is less than 5/100 vasectomies performed. Minor side effects immediately following vasectomy include discomfort, swelling and bruising of the scrotal skin, all of which usually disappear without treatment. Complications, such as hemorrhage and infection, can occur after any surgery. Other possible complications include epididymitis and sperm granuloma. Epididymitis is an infection of the epididymis frequently associated with a previous history of infection. Sperm granuloma, a chronic inflammatory reaction, may develop as a result of leakage of sperm from the cut ends of the vas. Occasionally the body fails to resorb the granuloma casuing it to become troublesome and require further treatment. Although considered virtually 100% effective, vasectomy can fail because, among other reasons, the cut ends of the vas may reconnect (spontaneous reanastomosis). This occurs, however, in less than 1% of cases. The overall incidence of either hematoma, epididmyitis or infection is less than 2%; sperm for granuloma, less than 1%. Vasectomy provides a means of permanent birth control with a minimum percentage of complications and a maxium percentage of effectiveness and safety.