Deep venous thrombosis after office vasectomy: a case report.

INTRODUCTION

Postoperative pulmonary embolism is considered a complication of major surgery. However, thromboembolism can also occur following minor procedures. We report a case of a major embolic event following a straightforward office vasectomy.

CASE PRESENTATION

A healthy 35-year-old Asian man underwent an uncomplicated office vasectomy. Soon after, he noticed vague chest pain and dyspnea. Lower extremity Doppler ultrasound revealed acute venous thrombosis. A computer-assisted tomography angiogram revealed extensive bilateral pulmonary emboli. Extensive laboratory work-up failed to identify thrombophilia. He has not had any recurrences in the eight years since the initial presentation.

CONCLUSION

This case highlights that major embolic events can follow minor office procedures. Patients with suggestive findings should be investigated aggressively.