Why is this procedure done?
Sperm are made in the testes. The testes are small round organs that are located in the skin sac that hangs between a mans legs. Sperm are stored in a small organ on top of the testes. This organ is called the epididymis. The sperm travel from there through small tubes called the vas deferens when a man ejaculates. The fluid a man ejaculates from the penis is called semen. ‚
A spermatocele is an abnormal sac formed inside your reproductive system. This sac contains fluids and dead sperm cells. A spermatocelectomy is done to remove the sac. You may need to have surgery if your spermatocele grows too large and becomes painful. Doctors try to preserve the function of your epididymis and testes when doing surgery. Talk with your doctor if you have plans of having a child in the future. Surgery may not be recommended for you. ‚
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What will the results be?
Your doctor will remove the spermatocele. You will stop having signs. ‚
What happens before the procedure?
- Your doctor will take your history. Talk to your doctor about:
- All the drugs you are taking. Be sure to include all prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, and herbal supplements. Tell the doctor about any drug allergy. Bring a list of drugs you take with you.
- Any bleeding problems. Be sure to tell your doctor if you are taking any drugs that may cause bleeding. Some examples are Coumadin, ibuprofen, Aleve (naproxen), or aspirin. Certain vitamins and herbs, such as garlic and fish oil, may also add to the risk for bleeding. You may need to stop these drugs as well. Talk to your doctor about all of your drugs.
- When you need to stop eating or drinking before your procedure.
- Your doctor will do an exam and may order:
- The doctor may shine a light through your scrotum.
- You will not be allowed to drive right away after the procedure. Ask a family member or a friend to drive you home.
What happens during the procedure?
- Once you are in the operating room, you will be given a drug to make you sleepy. The staff will put an IV in your arm to give you fluids and drugs. The drug will also help you stay pain free during the surgery. You may be asleep or awake during your surgery.
- The staff may shave your scrotum before your surgery.
- Your doctor will make a small cut on your scrotum and will locate the epididymis. Your doctor will cut out the spermatocele. Your doctor will close the cut with stitches and cover the cut with a clean bandage.
- The procedure takes 1 hour or less.
What happens after the procedure?
- You will go to the Recovery Room and the staff will watch you closely. Your doctor will tell you when you may go home.
- The numbness you feel will most often go away 1 to 3 hours after your surgery.
What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what you need to do.
- You may feel some pain after surgery. Your doctor will give you drugs for pain relief.
- Your doctor will give you drugs to help prevent infection. Take the drugs as ordered by your doctor.
- Place an ice pack or a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a towel over the painful part. Never put ice right on the skin. Do not leave the ice on more than 10 to 15 minutes at a time.
- Wear supportive underwear, like a jock strap, to elevate your scrotum.
- Use a towel roll to elevate your scrotum while lying down.
- Talk to your doctor about how to care for your cut site. Ask your doctor about:
- When you should change your bandages
- When you may take a bath or shower
- If you need to be careful with lifting things over 10 pounds
- When you may go back to your normal activities like work, driving, or sex
- Be sure to wash your hands before touching your wound or dressing.
What follow-up care is needed?
- Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep your visits.
- You may have stitches or staples. If so, your doctor will often want to remove the stitches or staples in 1 to 2 weeks.
What lifestyle changes are needed?
- Get lots of rest. Lying down lessens the pressure of gravity on your scrotum.
- You may have to stop riding anything where there would be more pressure on your scrotum until your next visit. Some examples are bicycles, motorcycles, and horses.
What problems could happen?
- Swelling
- Infection
- A spermatocele forms again
- Damage to your epididymis and other surrounding organs, which can increase your chance of not being able to have a child
- Trouble passing urine
- Reduced sexual activity
- Nerve injury
Where can I learn more?
American Urological Association Foundation ‚
http://www.urologyhealth.org/urology/index.cfm?article=117 ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚