About epididymal cysts
Epididymis is the name given to the sperm-collecting tubes around the top of your testicles. Epididymal cysts are swellings containing clear fluid that occur in the epididymis. The cysts can be surgically removed if they are causing you pain. Spermatoceles, which are small cysts possibly formed from blocked sperm ducts, are treated in the same way.
Epididymal cyst surgery is routinely carried out as a day-case, with no overnight stay. Epididymal cysts can be removed under general anaesthesia. This means you are asleep during the procedure. Alternatively, you may have the operation under local anaesthesia, which means that you will be awake, but the area will be completely numb. Sedative drugs can be given with local anaesthesia to help you feel relaxed during the procedure.
Your surgeon will explain the benefits and risks of having epididymal cyst surgery, and will also discuss any alternatives to the treatment.
About the operation
Once the anaesthetic has taken effect, your surgeon will make a small cut into your scrotum over the cyst. The cyst is separated from the tissue that surrounds it and removed. The epididymis and the skin cut are sewn up using dissolvable stitches.
The operation usually takes between 15 to 20 minutes.
After surgery, you are likely to have some pain, swelling and bruising in the groin or scrotum area. You may feel aches and twinges in the scrotum for a few months. Wearing close-fitting underwear to support your scrotum in the first week will help ease discomfort and prevent swelling.
Epididymal cyst surgery is commonly performed and generally safe. For most men, the benefits in terms of improved symptoms are greater than any disadvantages. However, all surgery carries an element of risk.
Specific complications of epididymal cyst surgery are uncommon. Occasionally, bleeding occurs inside the scrotum causing it to swell and become painful. If this happens, you may need to have further surgery.
In very rare cases the operation causes the spermatic cord to be squeezed too tightly, partially cutting off the blood supply. This may cause the testicle to shrink. Also, the vas deferens (the tube that carries sperm from the testicle) may be damaged. These rare complications can cause fertility problems. For this reason it is recommended that the operation should generally be delayed until you have completed your family.
It’s also possible for the epididymal cysts to re-occur.
The chance of complications depends on the exact type of operation you are having and other factors such as your general health. Ask your surgeon to explain how any risks apply to you.
To find out more about having epididymal cyst removal in a Spire Healthcare hospital, please call our treatment enquiry team on 0800 434 6600.
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