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.