Vas deferens

The vas deferens are often seen as part of a prostatectomy specimen. They are the component of the spermatic cord that carries the sperm. They seldom arrive alone.

Normal vas deferens

Vasectomy redirects here.

General

• Seen in the context of vasectomy.

Microscopic

Features:

• Tubular structure - two muscle layers.
• Epithelium = simple, columnar, ciliated.

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A. VAS DEFERENS, RIGHT, VASECTOMY:
- VAS DEFERENS WITHIN NORMAL LIMITS.

B. VAS DEFERENS, LEFT, VASECTOMY:
- VAS DEFERENS WITHIN NORMAL LIMITS.

Vasitis nodosa

General

• Classically develops post-vasovasostomy (vasectomy reversal).
  • Seen in association with other surgical procedures.
  • May be seen in the context of infertility (without prior vasectomy).
• Some similarity to salpingitis isthmica nodosa.

Gross

• Mass.

Microscopic

Features:

• Tubules in wall of vas deferens.
  • Lined by columnar/cuboidal epithelium.
    • May have mitotic activity.
    • Nucleoli.
    • Contain sperm - small, dark staining, teardrop-shaped (~1 micrometer) - key feature.
• +/-Sperm granulomas.
  • Histocytes - abundant foamy cytoplasm.
  • Sperm - small, dark staining, teardrop-shaped (~1 micrometer).

DDx:

• Metastatic (prostate) carcinoma.

Notes:

• Can be confused with prostatic adenocarcinoma:
  • May "invade" vascular spaces - associated with elastosis (breakdown of elastic fibres).

Image:

• Vasitis nodosa (webpathology.com).

IHC

• PSA -ve.
• PSAP -ve.

Bilateral absence of the vas deferens

• Seen in cystic fibrosis.

See also

• Ditzels.
• Genitourinary pathology.
• Prostate gland.
• Testis.