Spermatocelectomy
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 2, 2024.
What do I need to know about a spermatocelectomy?
A spermatocelectomy is surgery to remove a spermatocele. A spermatocele is a cyst (sac of fluid) that contains sperm. It forms inside your scrotum on the outside of your testicle. The cyst is most often attached to the epididymis. The epididymis is a tube that stores sperm.
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How do I prepare for surgery?
- Your surgeon will tell you how to prepare. Arrange to have someone drive you home when you are discharged. You may be told not to eat or drink anything after midnight on the day of surgery.
- Tell your surgeon about all medicines you currently take. Your surgeon will tell you if you need to stop any medicine for surgery, and when to stop. Your surgeon will tell you which medicines to take or not take on the day of surgery.
- You may need an ultrasound of your scrotum and testicle. Talk to your surgeon about this or other tests you may need.
What will happen during surgery?
- You may be given general anesthesia to keep you asleep and free from pain during surgery. You may instead be given spinal or local anesthesia to numb the surgery area. With spinal or local anesthesia, you may still feel pressure or pushing during surgery, but you should not feel any pain.
- Your surgeon will make a small incision in your scrotum. Your surgeon will open the membrane that covers your testicle and the spermatocele. The spermatocele will be divided from your testicle and removed.
- The incision will be closed with stitches or medical tape. A small tube may be used to drain extra blood or fluid for a short time.
What should I expect after surgery?
You will be taken to a room to rest until you are fully awake. Healthcare providers will monitor you closely for any problems. Do not get out of bed until your healthcare provider says it is okay. When your healthcare provider sees that you are okay, you will be able to go home or be taken to your hospital room.
- An athletic supporter may be used to decrease swelling and pain, and hold bandages on your scrotum.
- Healthcare providers will place an ice pack on your scrotum every hour for 15 to 20 minutes. Ice helps decrease swelling and pain.
- Pain medicine may be given. Do not wait until the pain is severe to ask for more medicine.
What are the risks of a spermatocelectomy?
You may bleed more than expected or get an infection. Your epididymis may be injured or blocked. This may cause infertility. A blood clot may form inside your scrotum. The spermatocele may come back. Your blood vessels may be injured. This can cause your testicle to shrink. Sperm may leak into your scrotum.
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