Spermatocelectomy Overview

Spermatocelectomy is a procedure to remove a large or painful spermatocele in men. A spermatocele is a fluid-filled cyst. It is found in the epididymis, which is a tube-like structure that stores sperm. The epididymis is located near the testicles.

Male Anatomy: Penis, Testicle, Scrotum, Epididymis © 2009 Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.

Prior to Procedure

Your doctor may do the following:

• Physical exam, blood and urine tests, and imaging tests

• Discuss with you the type of anesthesia that will be used and the potential risks

Talk to your doctor about your medicines. You may be asked to stop taking some medicines up to one week before the procedure, like:

• Aspirin or other anti-inflammatory drugs

• Blood thinners, like warfarin (Coumadin)

• Clopidogrel (Plavix)

Other things to keep in mind before the procedure:

• Arrange for a ride home from the hospital.

• If instructed by your doctor, do not eat for eight hours before the procedure.

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

You will be given medicines and fluids by IV (through needles placed in your arm). Once you are asleep or sedated, the doctor will make a small incision in your scrotum (the sac-like pouch that holds the testicles). He will locate the epididymis. Next, he will locate and remove the spermatocele from the epididymis. Absorbable sutures will be used to close the area.

How Long Will It Take?

Less than one hour

How Much Will It Hurt?

You will not feel any pain during the procedure. Ask your doctor about medicine to help with pain after the procedure.

Post-procedure Care

At the Care Center

After the procedure, the staff may provide the following care:

• Pain medicines and IV fluids

• Ice pack

• Scrotum support, like a jock strap

At Home

You will be able to leave the hospital when you have recovered from the anesthesia and can walk.

When you return home, do the following to help ensure a smooth recovery:

• Take pain medicine as directed.

• Swelling and soreness is normal. Apply ice packs to the area. Use rolled towels to elevate the area when you are in bed. Also, your doctor may recommend that you wear snug-fitting underwear or a jock strap for a few days.

• Avoid difficult activity for 2-3 weeks.

• Keep bandages on for two days.

• Do not drive or have sex until your doctor says it is safe to do so.

• After two days, keep the incision site clean:

• Clean the incision site with lukewarm water and mild soap.
• Use a soft wash cloth to gently wipe the incision area.

• Be sure to follow your doctor’s instructions.

• See your doctor for follow-up.

RESOURCES:

American Family Physician
http://www.aafp.org/

American Urological Association
http://www.auanet.org/

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

Canadian Urological Association
http://www.cua.org/

Health Canada
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/

References:

Mayo Clinic. Spermatocele. Mayo Clinic website. Available at: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/spermatocele/DS00619/DSECTION=treatments-and-drugs . Updated January 21, 2010. Accessed August 18, 2010.

Sandlow J, Winfield H, Goldstein M. Surgery of the scrotum and seminal vesicles. In: Wein: Campbell-Walsh Urology. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Saunders Elsevier. 2007; chap 34.