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Epididymectomy
What is
Epididymectomy?
The
surgical removal of the epididymis is called an
epididymectomy. This procedure is done when
there is inflammation of infection of the
epididymis known as epididymitis. The epididymis
is a long coiled tube attached to the upper part
of each testicle where the sperm matures and are
stored before ejaculation.
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Effects
of Epididymectomy
The
goal of this procedure is to get the inflamed
epididymis above the level of the heart. Blood
flow out of the testicle improves with this
procedure resulting in a more rapid healing
process and a reduction of swelling and
discomfort.
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Candidates for Epididymectomy
Men
who are experiencing pain in the scrotum or
testicle are candidates for this procedure. This
pain can be attributed to epididymitis, orchitis,
or a combination of the two.
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Your Consultation
Attention should be focused on the area of the
lower abdomen, external genitalia, and prostate
during physical examination. The location of the
pain and any connection with induration,
inflammation, or masses within the spermatic
cord, epididymis, and/or testicle will be
determined through careful and thorough
examination of the scrotum and its contents. It
is best to inspect the unaffected side first if
the condition is believed to be unilateral.
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The
Epididymectomy Procedure
This
procedure used to treat epididymitis is done
under local anesthesia on an outpatient basis.
Epididymectomy is the process of removing the
inflamed section of the epididymis by making a
small incision in the scrotum.
Fluid and sperm are being prevented from passing
through the epididymis through bilateral
vasectomy. Men who have chronic epididymitis or
elderly patients who are undergoing prostate
surgery usually have this procedure done.
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Recovery
After
the treatment, pain usually subsides after 24 to
72 hours; however, complete recovery may take
weeks or months. Application of ice
intermittently may help with the healing and in
cases of infection, intake of fluids can aid in
recovery. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
such as ibuprofen or naproxen are very helpful
in relieving pain and in the reduction of
inflammation.
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Risks
Soreness and discomfort are usually reported by
most patients. There may also be bruising and
swelling after the procedure but usually takes
place a few days after the surgery and not right
after it; however, this usually disappears after
two weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q:
What is epididymitis?
A:
It is the inflammation of the epididymis, the
coiled tube which collects sperm from the
testicle and transports it to the vas deferens.
Acute epididymitis and chronic epididymitis are
the two forms of this disease. The sudden
presence of severe symptoms which subsides with
treatment is called acute epididymitis. On the
other hand, chronic epididymitis is a
longstanding condition wherein onset of the
disease is gradual. Symptoms may be treated but
there is no assurance of complete eradication of
these. Majority of the cases of this disease
occur in adults.
Q:
What are the symptoms of epididymitis?
A:
This disease is distinguished by the sudden
redness and swelling of the scrotum. Upon
inspection of the affected testicle, it will be
noticed that it is hard and sore and the other
testicle may feel tender. Chills, fever, and
most of the time acute urethritis or
inflammation of the urethra are usually
experienced.
Q:
What causes epididymitis?
A:
Bacterial infection usually causes acute
epididymitis. Sexually transmitted diseases
such as gonorrhea or chlamydia infection are the
most common infection causing epididymitis in
sexually active men. Bacteria from the urinary
tract are the common cause of epididymitis in
men over 40 years of age. The other causes of
this disease include partially blocked urethra,
bladder outlet obstruction because of an
enlargement of the prostate, or catheterization
of the urethra that is done recently.
Q:
What are the options for treating epididymitis?
A:
Antibiotic therapy must be commenced as soon as
the symptoms appear because this disease affects
both testicles resulting in sterility.
Medications should be taken precisely as
prescribed in order to prevent reinfection to
occur. Even if the patient's symptoms disappear
or he begins to feel better, the medications
should be taken accurately. Over-the-counter
anti-inflammatories may be used for pain relief
but should only be taken upon the approval of a
urologist or a family physician.
Bed
rest is encouraged while waiting for the
symptoms to subside. Upon resumption of normal
activities, the patient is recommended to wear
an athletic supporter. A local anesthetic like
lidocaine (Xylocaine) may be injected directly
into the spermatic cord if the pain is severe.
The following list of Urology procedures are
performed at Beverly Hills Medical Group -
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