Introduction: Predictors of patient-initiated follow-up communication (PIFC) in patients undergoing vasectomies have not yet been described. Here we investigate possible predictors for this, with the theory that previous surgery may impact PIFC. Methods: A retrospective chart review of all patients who underwent vasectomy by a single surgeon from 7/2019- 4/2022 was performed. Variables assessed included age, anesthetic (local vs monitored sedation), and prior surgery. Postoperative PIFC was recorded as within 1 week, 1 month, and 1 year of vasectomy. Prior surgery was defined as any procedure with anesthesia where tissue was cut; thus imaging studies were not considered a prior surgery. Surgeries exclusive to the first year of life were also not considered as a prior surgery due to lack of memory of the healing process. Results: 1097 patients were included, with 8.5% of patients initiating follow-up in the first week and 14.4% at any time. There was no significant difference in contact in the first week amongst the 741 patients who did have a prior surgery and the 356 patients who did not (8.8% vs 9.7% P=0.61). The most common reason for PIFC was discomfort, which was mentioned in 132 communications. Additional concerns are listed in table 1. The difference in PIFC in the period greater than 1 week but less than 1 month or at any time was also not significant (3.8 % vs 3.6% P=0.91 and 15.4% vs 12.4% P=0.09). When separated by age, PIFC in the first week was greatest in patients in their 20s and least in patients 50 and older (Table 2). There was no significant difference in PIFC within one week or at any time (P=0.28, 0.77 respectively). There was also no significant difference in PIFC the first week between those who received monitored sedation compared to those who had only local anesthetic (11.1% vs 8.3%, P=0.44) or ever (15.8% vs 14.4%, P=0.75). Only seven patients who initiated contact in the first week initiated additional communication. A total of 18 patients were offered Meloxicam or in-office evaluations. Three patients were prescribed antibiotics within one year for presumed local infection. Conclusions: Prior surgery and type of anesthesia did not predict likelihood of post-vasectomy PIFC. However, age may be a predictor of likelihood to initiate post-vasectomy communication within the first week, as patients in their 20s initiated contact at the highest rate and no patients aged 50 or older initiated contact during that timeframe. However, a larger population is needed to assess this with greater significance. SOURCE OF Funding: None.
