Understanding Epididymectomy
Understanding Epididymectomy
An epididymectomy is a surgery to remove the epididymis. An epididymis is a tube that holds sperm. You have two of these tubes, one in the back of each testicle.
ep-ih-did-uh-MEK-tuh-mee
Why epididymectomy is done
You may need this procedure for a number of reasons. These include:
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An injury to the groin area
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An infection or pus-filled lump (abscess) in the epididymis that is hard to treat
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A tumor or large fluid-filled sac (cyst) in the epididymis
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Long-term (chronic) pain, such as after a vasectomy
How epididymectomy is done
This procedure is often done on an outpatient basis. That means you can go home afterward. During the procedure:
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You are given medicine to make you drowsy or fall asleep. You won’t feel pain.
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The surgeon makes a cut into your scrotum. He or she finds the epididymis.
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The surgeon removes part or all of the epididymis.
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The surgeon closes up the wound with stitches (sutures).
Risks of epididymectomy
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Bleeding
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Infection
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Pain
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Being unable to have children (infertility)
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Damage to a testicle or blood supply to the testicle
Updated:
March 16, 2019
Sources:
Celigoj FA, et al. Surgery of the Scrotum and Seminal Vesicles. In: Wein AJ, et al, editors. Campbell-Walsh Urology. 11 ed. Philadelphia: Elsevier; 2016. p. 946-66., Fenig D, et al. Complications of Surgery of the Testicale, VAS, Epididymis, and Scrotum. Complications of Urologic Surgery: Prevention and Management. 4 ed. Philadelphia: Saunders; 2010. p. 627-39., Hellstrom WJG. Epididymectomy. In: Smith JA, editor. Hinman's Atlas of Urologic Surgery. 3 ed. Philadelphia: Saunders; 2012. p. 325-6.
Reviewed By:
Marc Greenstein MD,Donna Freeborn PhD CNM FNP,Raymond Kent Turley BSN MSN RN