Understanding Epididymectomy
An epididymectomy is a surgery to remove the epididymis. An epididymis is a tube that holds sperm. You may need this surgery if you have an infection, tumor, or cyst. Learn more about the surgery, including why and how it is done and what the risks are.
An epididymectomy is a surgery to remove the epididymis. An epididymis is a tube that holds sperm. There are two of these tubes, one in the back of each testicle.
How to say it
Say "eh-puh-dih-duh-MEK-tuh-mee."
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 after the procedure. During the procedure:
- You are given medicine to make you drowsy or fall asleep. You won't feel pain.
- The surgeon makes a cut (incision) into your scrotum and finds the epididymis.
- The surgeon removes part or all of the epididymis.
- The surgeon closes up the incision with stitches (sutures) or surgical glue.
Risks of epididymectomy
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Pain
- Being unable to have children (infertility)
- Damage to a testicle or blood supply to the testicle