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Epididymal cysts are swellings containing clear fluid that occur in the epididymis. Epididymis is the name given to the sperm-collecting tubes which are folded into a ‘crescent shape’ at the back of your testicles.
Your care will be adapted to meet your individual needs and may differ from what is described here. So it’s important that you follow your surgeon’s advice.
Epididymal cysts are very common in men aged over 40 years. They are not harmful although they often cause concern or worry due to the fear of cancer in the testes. They can occur in both testicles and may be single or multiple and vary in size. Often they are small and painless. Spermatoceles are cysts that occur at the head of the epididymis.[/vc_column_text][vc_message style=”square” message_box_color=”danger”]
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Contact your GP if you notice any change in the shape and size of your scrotum. Your doctor can usually diagnose epididymal cysts or spermatoceles by shining a light underneath the scrotum (this is called transillumination). You may need a scrotal ultrasound to confirm the diagnosis. Surgery is recommended if the epididymal cysts or spermatoceles are causing discomfort or if they are putting pressure on other structures in the testes.
Your surgeon will explain how to prepare for your operation. For example if you smoke, you will be asked to stop as smoking increases your risk of getting a chest and wound infection, which can slow your recovery.
Epididymal cyst surgery is routinely done as a day case. This means you have the operation and go home the same day.
Epididymal cysts can be removed under general anaesthesia. This means you will be asleep during the operation. Alternatively, the operation may be done under local anaesthesia. This completely blocks feeling in the scrotum and you will stay awake during the operation. You may be offered a sedative with a local anaesthetic to help you relax.
If you are having general anaesthesia, you will be asked to follow fasting instructions. Typically you must not eat or drink for about six hours before a general anaesthetic. However, some anaesthetists allow occasional sips of water until two hours beforehand. You may be asked to shave your scrotum, or this may be done at the hospital. Your nurse may check your heart rate and blood pressure, and test your urine.
Your surgeon will usually ask you to sign a consent form. This confirms that you understand the risks, benefits and possible alternatives to the procedure and have given your permission for it to go ahead.
The operation takes about 15 to 20 minutes. A small cut is made 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 closed with dissolvable stitches.[/vc_column_text][vc_message message_box_style=”solid” style=”square” message_box_color=”violet”]
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If you need pain relief, you can take over-the-counter painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen. Always read the patient information that comes with your medicine and if you have any questions, ask your pharmacist for advice.
Sedation and general anaesthesia can temporarily affect your coordination and reasoning skills, so you shouldn’t drink alcohol, operate machinery or sign legal documents for 24 and 48 hours afterwards, respectively.
You shouldn’t drive until you are confident that you could perform an emergency stop without discomfort. If you are in any doubt about driving, please contact your motor insurer so that you are aware of their recommendations, and always follow your surgeon’s advice. Keep the area clean and dry for the first two days. After this you can bathe and shower but you should dry the area gently and thoroughly afterwards.
Continue to wear close-fitting underwear day and night for a week. This will help ease any discomfort and swelling. Don’t do any heavy lifting or vigorous exercise for the first week. You can have sex as soon as you feel comfortable.
Surgery to treat epididymal cysts is commonly performed and generally safe. However, in order to make an informed decision and give your consent, you need to be aware of the possible side-effects and the risk of complications of this procedure.
These are the unwanted but mostly temporary effects of a successful treatment, for example feeling sick as a result of the general anaesthetic.
You will have some bruising and swelling in the scrotal area for the first week.
This is when problems occur during or after the operation. Most men are not affected. The possible complications of any operation include an unexpected reaction to the anaesthetic, infection, excessive bleeding or developing a blood clot, usually in a vein in the leg (deep vein thrombosis, DVT).
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