Retained silk may underlie late postvasectomy fistula - Takeaways - MDSpire
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Retained silk may underlie late postvasectomy fistula

Surgery and histopathology identified retained silk ligature with chronic inflammation at the site of a rare fistula presenting 3 years following vasectomy.

  • By

  • Andrea Surnit

  • September 18, 2026

  • 4 min

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  • 1

    A 43-year-old male developed a vasocutaneous fistula 3 years post-vasectomy, associated with retained silk ligature and chronic inflammation.

  • 2

    Clinical examination, microscopy, ultrasonography, and surgical exploration were used to assess the persistent sinus and its connection to the vas deferens.

  • 3

    Surgical excision revealed a fistulous tract linked to the previously ligated vasal stump, with retained silk suture embedded in fibrotic tissue.

  • 4

    Histopathologic examination showed chronic inflammation, supporting the diagnosis, but did not establish the fistulous communication's anatomical pathway.

  • 5

    The case highlights the importance of integrating multiple diagnostic modalities for establishing the diagnosis of delayed vasocutaneous fistula.

Original Source(s)

Retained silk may underlie late postvasectomy fistula

  • by Andrea Surnit

  • September 18, 2026

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