Spermatocele or Epididymal Cyst Surgery

Why do scrotal cysts develop?

Testicular swellings and lumps generally arise as a result of one of the following conditions:

• Varicoceles are soft, abnormal lumps just above the testicle on the left part of the scrotum.
• Hydroceles lead to swelling of the scrotum due to the accumulation of fluid.
• An epididymal cyst is a smooth, liquid-filled swelling in the epididymis.
• Epididymo-orchitis is inflammation that develops in the testicle and epididymis due to bacterial infections such as mumps, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and urinary tract infections (UTIs).

What are the signs of a spermatocele?

A spermatocele may appear asymptomatic when it remains small. However, symptoms occur when the spermatocele begins to become larger over time.

Signs of this include the following:

• Discomfort and pain in the impacted testicle
• A heavy sensation in the testicle
• A full sensation in the testicle

How do you perform epididymal cyst surgery?

This involves the surgical resection of fluid content from the epididymis. There are alternatives to treatment, such as active surveillance, which does not necessarily require removal if it’s small or asymptomatic. Alternatively, doctors may attempt aspiration, which involves surgically draining the cyst using a needle. However, this isn’t considered standard practice since the fluid can re-accumulate.

What can I expect on the day of the surgery?

The procedure is commonly carried out while you are heavily sedated under general anaesthetic. A tiny incision is created in the scrotum, where the cyst is carefully divided from the epididymis and testicle. The surgical removal of the cyst can interrupt the flow of sperm from the testicle, which may impact fertility. Dissolvable stitches are then used to seal the incision.