Spermatocelectomy
Definition
A spermatocele is a fluid-filled cyst in the epididymis, a long tubule attached to the testicle. A spermatocelectomy is the removal of this cyst.
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Reasons for Procedure
Spermatocelectomy is done if a spermatocele is painful or large.
Possible Complications
Problems from the procedure are rare, but all procedures have some risk. Your doctor will review potential problems, like:
- Adverse reaction to the anesthesia
- Infection
- Excess bleeding
- Swelling
- Recurrence of spermatocele
- Damage to the epididymis, which can increase risk of infertility
- Nerve injury or damage to surrounding tissue or structures
Before your procedure, talk to your doctor about ways to manage factors that may increase your risk of complications such as:
What to Expect
Prior to Procedure
Your doctor may do the following:
- Perform a physical exam
- Blood, urine, or imaging tests
- Ask about your medical history
Talk to your doctor about any medications, herbs, or supplements you are taking. You may be asked to stop taking some medications up to 1 week before the procedure.
Arrange for a ride home from the hospital. Arrange for help at home as your recover.
The night before your surgery, eat a light meal. Do not eat or drink anything after midnight unless told otherwise by your doctor.
Anesthesia
The procedure is done under local or general anesthesia. You will be asleep or sedated. You will not feel any pain.
Description of Procedure
Once you are asleep or sedated, a small incision will be made in your scrotum. The spermatocele will be located and removed from the epididymis. Absorbable sutures will be used to close the area.
How Long Will It Take?
Less than 1 hour
How Much Will It Hurt?
Anesthesia will prevent pain during surgery. Pain and discomfort after the procedure can be managed with medications.
Post-procedure Care
At the Care Center
After the procedure, the staff may provide the following care:
- Pain medications and IV fluids
- Ice pack
- Scrotal support
During your stay, the hospital staff will take steps to reduce your chance of infection such as:
- Washing their hands
- Wearing gloves or masks
- Keeping your incisions covered
There are also steps you can take to reduce your chances of infection such as:
- Washing your hands often and reminding visitors and healthcare providers to do the same
- Reminding your healthcare providers to wear gloves or masks
- Not allowing others to touch your incisions
At Home
Restrict physical and sexual activity until your doctor says it is okay. You may need to wear supportive or athletic underwear during healing.
Call Your Doctor
Call your doctor if any of the following occur:
- Increasing pain, redness, or swelling at incision site
- Drainage, bleeding, or odor from incision site
- Signs of infection, including fever and chills
If you think you have an emergency, call for emergency medical services right away.
RESOURCES:
Family Doctor—American Academy of Family Physicians
https://familydoctor.org
Urology Care Foundation
http://urologyhealth.org
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Canadian Urological Association
http://www.cua.org
Health Canada
https://www.canada.ca
REFERENCES:
Common benign urologic conditions in men. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at:http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T919433/Common-benign-urologic-conditions-in-men. Accessed January 29, 2021.
How are spermatoceles treated? Urology Care Foundation website. Available at: http://www.urologyhealth.org/urologic-conditions/spermatoceles/treatment. Accessed January 29, 2021.
Scrotal surgery: discharge advice. University College Hospital website. Available at: https://www.uclh.nhs.uk/PandV/PIL/Patient%20information%20leaflets/Scrotal%20surgery.pdf. Accessed January 29, 2021.
Last reviewed March 2020 by EBSCO Medical Review Board Adrienne Carmack, MD Last Updated: 1/29/2021