Doctor censured over failed vasectomies

An Auckland doctor who botched three vasectomies on two different men, leading to three unwanted pregnancies, has been banned from performing the procedure for three years.

Dr Johannes Wilson pleaded guilty to two charges of professional misconduct before the Health Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal in July.

The first charge related to a couple who approached Dr Wilson for a vasectomy in March 2002.

The wife became pregnant with her third child following the botched vasectomy, and then again in June 2004 after Dr Wilson performed a failed procedure for the second time.

The couple lodged a claim with the High Court but reportedly settled for more than $150,000 in July.

The second charge related to another couple who became pregnant following a failed vasectomy in 2003.

In both cases, the tribunal found Dr Wilson had failed to meet the required standard of care during the procedure.

In the first case, he then failed to advise the patient the procedure had failed despite high sperm counts recorded after the vasectomies.

In the second, Dr Wilson failed to conduct follow-up care or sperm testing, and had neglected to tell the patient he would need to wait for a nil sperm count before he could have unprotected sex.

The tribunal said Dr Wilson's conduct constituted professional misconduct. It censured the doctor and fined him $1000.

Dr Wilson was also ordered to pay 25 per cent towards costs of the investigation and hearing.

In setting the financial penalty, the tribunal said it took into account the settlement agreement with the first couple, which involves monthly payments of $1000 for ten years.

The tribunal said it did not want to impose a more significant fine that could undermine his repayments.

The tribunal also ordered a condition imposed on Dr Wilson's practice, that he not undertake any further vasectomy procedures for three years.

- NZPA