(259) Providing a Post-Vasectomy Semen Analysis Cup at the Time of Vasectomy Rather Than Post-Operatively Improves Compliance

Abstract

Abstract Introduction Post-vasectomy semen analysis (PVSA) completion rates after vasectomy are poor, and minimizing the need for an additional in-person visit may improve compliance. We hypothesized that providing PVSA specimen cup at time of vasectomy instead of at a postoperative appointment might be associated with higher PVSA completion rates. We also hypothesized that performing virtual postoperative visits after vasectomy might improve PVSA completion rates. Objective To evaluate PVSA completion rates between patients receiving specimen cups at time of vasectomy versus at post-operative appointment. Methods We performed a retrospective review of all patients seen by a single provider for vasectomy consultation between October 2016 and June 2022. All patients who underwent vasectomy were included. Patients who underwent vasectomy prior to May 2020 had PVSA specimen cup given at postoperative appointment and those who underwent vasectomy after May 2020 were given PVSA specimen cup at time of vasectomy. PVSA completion and postoperative visit type were recorded. Demographic and clinical outcomes data were collected. Logistic regressions were used to investigate associations between PVSA completion rates and both timing of providing PVSA specimen cup and postoperative visit setting. Results 491 patients were seen for vasectomy consultation between October 2016 and June 2022. 370 (75.4%) of all patients seen for consultation ultimately underwent vasectomy. 173 (45.7%) patients underwent vasectomy prior to May 2020 and were given PVSA specimen cup at postoperative visit. 197 (53.2%) patients underwent vasectomy after May 2020 and were given PVSA specimen cup at vasectomy. 160 (47.2%) of patients were seen virtually for postoperative visit, whereas 179 (52.8%) were seen in-person. Providing PVSA specimen cup at time of vasectomy was associated with higher odds of PVSA completion than providing PVSA specimen cup at postoperative visit (62.4% vs. 49.7%; OR = 1.68; 95% CI: 1.11, 2.55). No association was noted between PVSA completion rate and whether the postoperative visit was virtual or in-person (63.8% vs. 55.3%; OR = 1.42; 95% CI: 0.92, 2.20). Conclusions PVSA specimen cup provided at time of vasectomy versus at postoperative appointment is associated with higher rates of PVSA completion. Virtual postoperative visit after vasectomy is feasible and has no detectable association with PVSA completion rates. These findings together support the growing role of telehealth in urology practices. Disclosure No.