J I Sandlow1, K J Kreder. 1. Department of Urology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, USA.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To examine the practice patterns of urologists performing vasectomy in response to studies reporting an increased risk of prostate cancer in vasectomized men. DESIGN: A mailed survey. SETTING: A university medical institution. PARTICIPANTS: One thousand five hundred randomly selected United States urologists under the age of 65 years. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Urologists reported practice patterns of vasectomy in response to studies showing possible link between vasectomy and prostate cancer. RESULTS: A response rate of 51% (759/1,500) was obtained. Although > 90% state that these studies have had little or no effect upon their practice of vasectomy, 27% screen vasectomized men earlier for prostate cancer, and 20% would be reluctant to recommend a vasectomy to a man with a strong family history of prostate cancer. CONCLUSIONS: Over one fourth of urologists who screen for prostate cancer have altered their screening patterns even though they responded that the studies have not affected their practice patterns.
OBJECTIVE: To examine the practice patterns of urologists performing vasectomy in response to studies reporting an increased risk of prostate cancer in vasectomized men. DESIGN: A mailed survey. SETTING: A university medical institution. PARTICIPANTS: One thousand five hundred randomly selected United States urologists under the age of 65 years. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Urologists reported practice patterns of vasectomy in response to studies showing possible link between vasectomy and prostate cancer. RESULTS: A response rate of 51% (759/1,500) was obtained. Although > 90% state that these studies have had little or no effect upon their practice of vasectomy, 27% screen vasectomized men earlier for prostate cancer, and 20% would be reluctant to recommend a vasectomy to a man with a strong family history of prostate cancer. CONCLUSIONS: Over one fourth of urologists who screen for prostate cancer have altered their screening patterns even though they responded that the studies have not affected their practice patterns.