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Spermatocelectomy
What is
Spermatocelectomy?
The
surgical removal of the spermatocele from the
adjoining epididymal tissue is called a
spermatocelectomy. Removing the spermatocele and
at the same time preserving of the male
reproductive tract is the overall goal of
surgical therapy.
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Effects
of Spermatocelectomy
This
procedure gives the best effect in treating
symptomatic spermatoceles and remains to be the
best surgical treatment for this.
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Candidates for Spermatocelectomy
Patients who will undergo spermatocelectomy have
very limited surgical options for the treatment
of symptomatic spermatocele. The main operative
intervention is a spermatocelectomy through the
transscrotal approach which may be performed to
any reasonable candidate. The contraindications
to this procedure are systemic anticoagulation
and the desire to have children.
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Your Consultation
There are only a few guidelines
for this procedure such as not eating or
drinking before undergoing the surgery. Other
guidelines are dependent on the physician or the
facility where spermatocelectomy will be
performed. Pre-procedure instructions or
guidelines should be provided by the physician.
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The
Spermatocelectomy Procedure
This
procedure is usually done as an outpatient
procedure and has a variation of possible
anesthetic agents. First, the surgeon creates an
incision in the skin of the scrotum and gently
pulls the testicles and the epididymis through
the incision. Separating it from the epididymis,
a suture is then tied around the spermatocele.
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Recovery
A
pressure dressing which has an athletic
supporter filled with fluffy gauze are usually
applied as the patient is discharged home.
Swelling usually occurs so ice packs are applied
for approximately two to three days in order to
minimize the swelling. Oral pain medications are
generally used to relive pain for one to two
days after undergoing the procedure. One is
allowed to shower 24 to 48 hours
postoperatively. A follow-up visit is scheduled
for the patient one to two week after the
procedure.
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Risks
There is the risk of potential complications
which may include fever, infection, bleeding or
scrotal hematoma, and persistence of pain. In
addition, an unintentional epididymal
obstruction may occur which may lead to
subfertility or infertility. If one desires to
still have children, intervention should be
done. A thorough surgical technique should be
done including the use of an operating
microscope or optical magnification in order to
minimize the presence of complications.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q:
What is a spermatocele?
A:
A spermatocele is also known as a spermatic
cyst. They are most of the time painless and
benign (noncancerous) cysts that grow from the
epididymis near the top of the testicle. They
are usually smooth and contain a milky or clear
colored fluid containing the sperm.
Spermatoceles over time may continue to be
stable in size or they may grow. Once its size
becomes an inconvenience or causes pain, there
are a number of treatment options to resolve the
problem. Spermatoceles are more of a nuisance
rather than a serious medical illness.
Q:
What causes the growth of spermatoceles?
A:
The exact cause of spermatoceles is still
unknown. They may appear as a result of trauma
or inflammation but these conditions are not
necessarily requirements for the formation of a
spermatocele. There are reports that
spermatocele formation are caused by blockage of
the efferent ducts and the epididymis. Another
possible cause that is being looked into is the
in utero exposure to diethylstilbestrol (DES)
which is a synthetic form of estrogen.
Q:
What are the symptoms of spermatoceles?
A:
There are usually no symptoms associated with
the formation of spermatoceles. On the other
hand, when associated symptoms are there,
scrotal heaviness and/or pain may be included.
Q:
How common are spermatoceles?
A:
An estimated 30% of all men have spermatoceles
although the precise incidence of this condition
is still unknown. The incidence of this
condition increases with age. The peak rate for
its diagnosis occurs in men in their 40s and
50s. Predisposition of spermatocele to race or
ethnicity is unknown.
Q:
Does
spermatocele formation lead to testicular
cancer?
A:
Patients with spermatocele do not necessarily
have an increased risk of testicular cancer.
They are separate and distinct from the
testicle. Spermatoceles are also benign (noncancerous)
epididymal lesions.
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