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Spermatocelectomy by Deanna M. Neff, MPH

En Español (Spanish Version)

Definition | Reasons for Procedure | Possible Complications | What to Expect | Call Your Doctor

Definition

A spermatocele is a fluid-filled cyst near the testicles. A spermatocelectomy is the removal of this cyst.

Male Anatomy: Penis, Testicle, Scrotum, Epididymis

Reasons for Procedure

Spermatocelectomy is done if a spermatocele is painful or large.

Possible Complications

Complications are rare, but no procedure is completely free of risk. If you are planning to have spermatocelectomy, your doctor will review potential problems. Complications may include:

Adverse reaction to the anesthesia including lightheadedness, low blood pressure, or wheezing
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

Smoking may increase the risk of complications.

Talk to your doctor about these risks before the procedure.

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 medicines you are taking. Do not start taking any new medicines, herbs, or supplements without talking to your doctor. You may be asked to stop taking some medicines up to one week before the procedure. This may include medications such as:

Anti-inflammatory medications
Blood thinners
Anti-platelet medications

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 one hour

How Much Will It Hurt?

Anesthesia prevents pain during surgery. As you recover, you may have some pain. Your doctor will give you pain medicine.

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

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.
Apply ice packs to the area to reduce swelling and pain.
Use rolled towels to elevate the area when you are in bed. Your doctor may also recommend that you wear snug-fitting underwear or a jock strap for a few days.
Avoid strenuous activity until told it is safe by your doctor.
Do not drive or have sex until your doctor says it is safe to do so.
Keep bandages in place as directed by your doctor.
Ask your doctor about when it is safe to shower, bathe, or soak in water.
Be sure to follow your doctor’s instructions.
See your doctor for follow-up.

Call Your Doctor

After arriving home, contact your doctor if any of the following occurs:

Increasing pain, redness, or swelling at incision site
Drainage, bleeding, or odor from incision site
Signs of infection, including fever and chills

In case of an emergency, call for medical help right away.

RESOURCES:

The American Academy of Family Physicians Family Doctor http://familydoctor.org
Urology Care Foundation http://www.urologyhealth.org

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

Canadian Urological Association http://www.cua.org
Health Canada http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca

References:

Spermatocele. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed/what.php. Updated April 2, 2012. Accessed April 16, 2013.
Spermatoceles. Foundation of the American Urological Association website. Available at: http://www.urologyhealth.org/urology/index.cfm?article=117. Accessed September 11, 2012.
6/6/2011 DynaMed's Systematic Literature Surveillance http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed/what.php: Mills E, Eyawo O, Lockhart I, Kelly S, Wu P, Ebbert JO. Smoking cessation reduces postoperative complications: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Am J Med. 2011;124(2):144-154.e8.

Last reviewed April 2013 by Brian Randall, MD

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