WVD: What is the difference in failure rates?
ML: What we know is that if you’re just using the LI Occlusion Technique – ligation and excision with FI – , the failure rate is about 5%. Combining FI with mucosal cautery, you can get it down to .2 or .3% and even lower. Of course, there are other techniques you can use to lower the failure rate, but from the evidence we have collected over the years, combining FI with mucosal cautery is the most effective.
WVD: What’s the structure of the event?
ML: As well as ‘theoretical explanations’ – including a breakdown of three different approaches to FI, including the use of clips, sutures, and free ties, we’ll be sharing videos of actual vasectomies. The people who attend can watch some of the tricks employed by these experienced doctors.
WVD: We’d love to better understand the relationship, if any, between different vasectomy techniques and long-term pain? Or between skill level and experience and incidence of pain?
ML: We would all benefit, but unfortunately, there’s been little in the way of support for new research over the recent years on the influence of vasectomy techniques and post-vasectomy pain. Hopefully, that’s something we can address in the coming years.