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.

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Why epididymectomy is done

You may need this procedure for a number of reasons. These include:

• An injury to the groin area

• An infection or pus-filled lump (abscess) in the epididymis that is hard to treat

• A tumor or large fluid-filled sac (cyst) in the epididymis

• 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:

• You are given medicine to make you drowsy or fall asleep. You won’t feel pain.

• The surgeon makes a cut into your scrotum. He or she finds the epididymis.

• The surgeon removes part or all of the epididymis.

• The surgeon closes up the wound with stitches (sutures).

Risks of epididymectomy

• Bleeding

• Infection

• Pain

• Being unable to have children (infertility)

• Damage to a testicle or blood supply to the testicle