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Biomedical subjects

J M Haws

Publications and source records attributed to J M Haws.

9 recordsLinked to original sources

Vasectomy in the United States, 1991 and 1995.

OBJECTIVES: This study sought to assess whether the controversy surrounding publications linking vasectomy and prostate cancer has had an effect on vasectomy acceptance and practice in the United States. METHODS: National probability surveys of urology, general surgery, and family practices were undertaken in 1992 and 1996. RESULTS: Estimates of the total number of vasectomies performed, population rate, and proportion of practices performing vasectomy were not significantly different in 1991 and 1995. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides no solid evidence that the recent controversy over prostate cancer has influenced vasectomy acceptance or practice in the United States. However, the use of vasectomy appears to have leveled off in the 1990s.

Adult↗

Clinical aspects of vasectomies performed in the United States in 1995.

OBJECTIVES: Currently, no surveillance system collects data on the numbers and characteristics of vasectomies performed annually in the United States. This study provides nationwide data on the numbers of vasectomies and the use of no-scalpel vasectomy, various occlusion methods, fascial interposition, and protocols for analyzing semen after vasectomy. METHODS: A retrospective mail survey (with telephone follow-up) was conducted of 1800 urology, family practice, and general surgery practices drawn from the American Medical Association's Physician Master File and stratified by specialty and census region. Mail survey and telephone follow-up yielded an 88% response rate. RESULTS: In 1995, approximately 494,000 vasectomies are estimated to have been performed by 15,800 physicians in the United States. Urologists performed 76% of all vasectomies, and nearly all (93%) urology practices performed vasectomies in 1995. Nearly one third (29%) of vasectomies in 1995 were no-scalpel vasectomies, and 37% of physicians performing no-scalpel vasectomies taught themselves the procedure. The most common occlusion method in 1995 (used for 38% of all vasectomies) was concurrent use of ligation and cautery. In 1995, slightly less than half (48%) of all physicians surveyed interposed the fascial sheath over one end of the vas when performing a vasectomy. Protocols for ensuring azoospermia varied: 56% of physicians required one postvasectomy semen specimen; 39% required two, and 5%, three or more. CONCLUSIONS: No-scalpel vasectomy, used by nearly one third of U.S. physicians, has become an accepted part of urologic care. Physicians' variations in occlusion methods, use of fascial interposition, and postvasectomy protocols underscore the need for large scale, controlled, and statistically valid studies to determine the efficacy of occlusion methods and fascial interposition, as well as whether azoospermia is the only determination of a successful vasectomy.

Adult↗

A comprehensive and efficient process for counseling patients desiring sterilization.

To optimize the time spent counseling a sterilization patient, this article presents a 10-step process that includes all steps necessary to ensure a comprehensive counseling session: (1) Discuss current contraception use and all available methods; (2) assess the client's interest in/readiness for sterilization; (3) emphasize that the procedure is meant to be permanent, but there is a possibility of failure; (4) explain the surgical procedure using visuals, and include a discussion of benefits and risks; (5) explain privately to the client the need to use condoms if engaging in risky sexual activity; (6) have the client read and sign an informed consent form; (7) schedule an appointment for the procedure and provide the patient with a copy of all necessary paperwork; (8) discuss cost and payment method; (9) provide written preoperative and postoperative instructions; and (10) schedule a postoperation visit, or a postoperation semen analysis.

Adult↗

Vasectomy counseling.

The following recommendations for counseling patients about vasectomy may help to minimize the risk of litigation for family physicians who provide vasectomy services: (1) conduct a personal consultation with the patient; (2) discuss the impact of vasectomy on sexual function; (3) explain the procedure using diagrams during the office visit for the physical examination; (4) explain possible minor complications and risks, including the possibility of failure; (5) explain the need for a postoperative semen analysis and the need to use another contraceptive method for a while after vasectomy; (6) emphasize the permanence of the procedure; (7) have the patient read and sign an informed consent form; (8) provide preoperative and postoperative instructions; (9) answer questions and respond to concerns, and (10) telephone the patient the day after the surgery.

Humans↗

Is permanent contraception acceptable in sub-Saharan Africa?

Some authors contend that the low use of family planning in sub-Saharan Africa is due to a low demand for fertility regulation among African men and women. The present authors' experience in Africa has been that it is not the demand for family planning services, but the way services are delivered that accounts for low numbers of acceptors in Africa. The specific case of Kenya is mentioned, where improvements in the quality of sterilization services and increases in the number of institutions that can provide minilaparotomy under local anesthesia have led to an increase in the acceptance of sterilization. The authors maintain that the demand for all family planning methods does exist, and it is up to the donor agencies and family planning service providers to try to meet that demand by providing services that are efficient to providers while oriented to the clients' needs. In the case of voluntary surgical contraception, that means providing minilaparotomy under local anesthesia.

Africa↗

Increasing the availability of vasectomy in public-sector clinics.

A program designed to improve the availability of vasectomy in public-sector clinics trained physicians at 43 facilities in no-scalpel vasectomy between 1993 and 1995. Among the 38 clinics that responded to a follow-up survey in 1996, the number of clinics providing vasectomies rose from 23 to 32, an increase of almost 40%, while the number of vasectomies performed rose by 18%. Seventeen of the 32 clinics performed more vasectomies after the training; 10 of the 17 had not previously provided the procedure. In-depth interviews with staff from seven sites that experienced large caseload increases and from seven that experienced decreases identified three elements for the successful establishment or expansion of vasectomy services-sufficient numbers of trained providers, funds to subsidize vasectomies for men who cannot afford them and activities to raise awareness about the availability of low-cost or free vasectomy.

Ambulatory Care Facilities↗