'U' technique and standard technique of Norplant removal.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the side effects and time required for Norplant removal between the 'U' technique (using the no-scalpel vas deferens holding forceps) and the standard technique. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A randomized controlled clinical trial was carried out of acceptors in family planning clinics in Dr Kariadi Hospital, Semarang, who wanted to have Norplant removal. The Norplant was removed by experienced doctors who had been trained for both the 'U' technique and the standard technique. Removal time, capsule condition and complications were examined. RESULTS: From 41 clients in the 'U' technique group and 41 clients in the standard technique group, the removal times were 2.75 +/- 1.28 and 6.57 +/- 2.93 minutes, respectively (p < 0.01). One week after Norplant removal, complications were found in 5 clients, 1 from the 'U' technique group (2.44%) and 4 from the standard technique group (9.76%). Two weeks after Norplant removal no complications were found. CONCLUSION: The 'U' technique was quicker and less complicated compared with the standard technique.

THe "U" technique: a new method for Norplant implants removal.

The standard technique for Norplant implants removal was compared with a new technique called the "U" technique, which employs the use of a modified no-scalpel vas deferens holding forceps to grasp and remove the capsules. Seventy-six women requesting Norplant implants removal were randomly assigned to Group 1 (standard removal technique) or Group 2 ("U" removal technique). Variables measured included: (a) time required for complete removal, (b) number of capsules not broken or damaged during removal, and (c) number of incisions required for removal of all six capsules. In clients with visible or palpable capsules, the standard removal technique required significantly more time to remove all six capsules, on average, than the "U" technique (19 versus 7 minutes, p < 0.001); also more capsules were damaged during removal (5.6 undamaged versus 6.0, p < 0.01). In addition, with the standard technique, five clients required two incisions for removal of all six capsules while none of the clients required more than one incision with the "U" technique. Our conclusion is that the "U" technique is a quicker and easier method of removing Norplant capsules than the standard technique.

PIP: The standard technique for Norplant implants removal was compared with a new technique called the "U" technique, which employs the use of a modified no-scalpel vas deferens holding forceps to grasp and remove the capsules. 76 women requesting Norplant implants removal were randomly assigned to Group 1 (standard removal technique) or Group 2 ("U" removal technique). Variables measured included: time required for complete removal; number of capsules not broken or damaged during removal; and number of incisions required for removal of all six capsules. In clients with visibles or palpable capsules, the standard removal technique required significantly more time to remove all six capsules, on average, than the "U" technique (19 versus 7 minutes, p 0.001); also, more capsules were damaged during removal (5.6 undamaged vs. 6.0, p 0.01). In addition, with the standard technique, five clients required two incisions for removal of all six capsules, while none of the clients required more than one incision with the "U" technique. Our conclusion is that the "U" technique is a quicker and easier method of removing Norplant capsules than the standard technique.