This event seems to bridge the gap between ASPC members and those who have come to the annual vasectomy study day year after year without committing to membership.
As the old guard fades into the background, it seemed apt to run through the history of this day of networking and education as an introduction. We have covered a lot of ground through the years. With the backdrop of world and domestic events punctuating the flow of time, we have striven to be evidence-based whilst challenging published guidelines where the evidence is patchy at best.
Some topics rear their heads time after time, and the sum of what we know and do not know in inexplicable issue of chronic postvasectomy pain was summarised by Gareth James.
Tony Feltbower presented the inconsistent legal application of the Montgomery judgement in a recent case but emphasised the paramount aim of documentation that information was exchanged….. and received, accepted and understood.
As a sufferer of myriad hand problems after a career of using single-use (and some poorly maintained reusable) instruments of dubious quality, it was illuminating to have Mr Alex Nicholls, consultant hand surgeon, run through the catalogue of structural and functional problems which lie in wait for those of us young enough to avoid them. It was paradoxically reassuring to read the feedback which questioned why this talk was included – most of our junior colleagues may well still be able to avoid the conditions.
We then had an interactive session with Martin Kittel on haemostasis which ran the gamut of preoperative assessment to postoperative self-care instructions, with the use of bipolar diathermy thrown in as an effective intraoperative tool.
Sophie Nicholls presented a whistle-stop tour of the management of anticoagulants and antiplatelets which paved the way for further discussion in future meetings.
As every delegate has their own set of learning needs and burning questions, we ended on an open forum session around issues submitted at the time of application. This allowed the collective hive-mind of the group to share its wisdom and experience on issues from NHS contracts to Hyfrecator plate burns. Thank you to all who came, spoke and listened.
Next time – there’s nothing left to talk about is there? That’s what I say every year.
But next time, the carpark will be cheaper, the hotel pool (if there is one) will be open and we’ll make sure those who did not have enough food left over when they got to the head of the queue at lunch go first.
It’s been fun.
Soon Lim
