Epididymal Cyst Treatment

Symptoms of Epididymal Cyst

In most cases, the epididymal cyst remains asymptomatic. In others, the patient may experience the following symptoms- 

• A soft lump may be present at the top or bottom of one or both testicles. 
• A feeling of heaviness may be present in the scrotum. 
• Redness and pressure in the scrotum. 
• Pain in the groin region

The individual should consult an expert as soon as these symptoms present themselves. 

What Happens During Epididymal Cystectomy or Excision?

During the surgery, you will be taken to the operation theater (OT), where the anesthetist will administer general anesthesia. If general anesthesia is not the right option for you, the doctor may use spinal anesthesia. Once your body is numb below the waist, the surgeon will carry out the surgery. 

• A small incision will be made in the scrotum. 
• The blood supply to the epididymis is maintained while the surgeon drains the cyst. 
• Depending on the technique chosen, the cyst will be removed carefully without damaging the surrounding tissues. 
• After the cyst is removed, dissolvable stitches are used to close the incision. 

You will be kept in the observation room until you wake up. After that, you’ll be transferred to the recovery room. 

Different Techniques for Epididymal Cyst Treatment

Small, asymptomatic cysts may not require treatment and can be monitored over time to ensure they do not grow or cause any problems. If they continue to grow, the following techniques may be used to treat epididymal cysts- 

• Aspiration: In this procedure, a needle is used to remove the fluid from the cyst. This is a quick and minimally invasive procedure that provides relief from the discomfort caused by the cyst. However, it may not be a permanent solution as the fluid in the cyst may accumulate again over time.
• Percutaneous Sclerotherapy: This involves the injection of a sclerosing agent (ethanol) into the cyst to shrink and harden it, preventing fluid from accumulating. The sclerosing agent is aspirated after 20 minutes, and the patient is asked to observe the cyst for the next few weeks. 
• Microsurgical Epididymal Cystectomy: This technique uses an operating microscope to visualize and remove the cyst. It is also a less invasive procedure in which the surgeon makes an incision in the scrotum to carefully separate the cyst from the surrounding tissue and then remove it carefully. This method is chosen for moderate-sized cysts. 
• Epididymal Cyst Excision: It involves removing a portion of the epididymis along with the cyst. This procedure is more invasive and involves a larger incision in the scrotum. The surgeon removes the cyst along with the affected portion of the epididymis to prevent a recurrence. Excision is usually recommended for larger or more complicated cysts that cannot be removed by cystectomy alone.

The best treatment option is chosen by the doctor after evaluating the size, location, and severity of the cyst, as well as the individual’s overall health and preferences. It is important for patients to discuss the benefits and risks of each treatment option with the doctor to make an informed decision.

What to Expect After the Testicular Cyst Removal?

Immediately after the surgery for epididymal cyst, the patient can expect to feel slightly disoriented for a while due to the side effects of anesthesia. Other things that can be expected include the following- 

• A scrotal support will be placed to ensure that movements in the treated area are restricted, and the stitches don’t tear up. 
• There will be slight pain and discomfort around the scrotum, which will be managed with the help of pain medications. 
• Walking and other movements will be restricted and difficult after the surgery for epididymal cyst. The doctor will advise taking proper rest for a few days to allow the wound to heal properly. 
• Nurses will monitor the patient for a few hours and check vitals like blood pressure, heart rate, etc. 

Once the patient is able to pass urine, the doctor will give permission for discharge. The medical team will provide a recovery guide and follow-up schedule to the patient before discharge. 

Risks & Complications of Epididymal Cyst Removal

The following risks can arise during or after epididymal cyst surgery- 

• There is a small risk of excessive bleeding during the operation. 
• Sometimes, the internal organs may come in contact with external contaminants that can cause infection. 
• There is a slight possibility that the spermatic cord will get damaged while draining and removing the epididymal cyst. 
• Drowsiness or numbness caused due to general anesthesia.
• Infection in the surgical site can arise if you don’t keep the incisions clean and dry. 
• Swelling or bruising in the scrotum may persist for longer than 2 weeks. 
• There is also a slight chance of getting new cysts on either side of the scrotum. 

An expert surgeon will know how to mitigate the risks properly and perform the surgery for epididymal cyst safely. 

Benefits of Epididymal Cyst Treatment

Epididymal cysts can be painful or uncomfortable, and they may affect a man’s quality of life. The treatment offers several benefits, including:

• Relief from pain: Large epididymal cysts can cause pain and discomfort in the testicles, scrotum, or groin. Treatment will help to alleviate this pain and discomfort completely. 
• Improved fertility: In some cases, epididymal cysts can interfere with sperm production and mobility, which can affect fertility. Most patients experience improvement after getting treatment. 
• Prevention of complications: In rare cases, epididymal cysts can become infected or twisted, which can cause serious complications. Treatment will help to prevent these complications from occurring.
• Improved self-confidence: For some men, the appearance of a large epididymal cyst can be embarrassing and affect their self-confidence, even if it is not visible to other eyes. Treatment will help to improve the appearance of the scrotum, which will ultimately improve the individual’s self-confidence.

Epididymal Cyst Treatment Cost in India

The average cost of epididymal cyst surgery in India is Rs. 30,000  and  Rs. 40,000 The cost will vary for each patient based on the factors below- 

• Size of the cyst 
• The overall experience of the surgeon
• The technique used for the treatment 
• City where you are receiving treatment
• Choice of hospital
• Hospitalization expense 
• Post-surgery care 

These factors are considered to calculate the final cost of epididymal cyst removal. To get an estimate, you can call Pristyn Care and talk to our medical coordinators. 

Recovery After Removal of Epididymis Lump

In general, the recovery period after epididymal lump removal is relatively short, around 2-3 weeks. However, the recovery timeline will be different for each patient depending on the severity of the condition and the method used for treatment. To help the patient recover faster and prevent post-surgery complications, the doctor will provide detailed instructions. Some of the common instructions are given below- 

• Wear the scrotal support or supportive underpants for as long as needed to keep the comfort in the treated area. 
• Take the prescribed medications (pain medicines, antibiotics, and anti-inflammatory medicines) as directed by the doctor to manage the pain, swelling, and bruising in the treated area. 
• Use ice packs and apply them to the scrotal region to reduce the swelling. Do this multiple times a day for the first few days. 
• Avoid performing any strenuous activity or heavy lifting for several days and resume only after getting the doctor’s approval. 
• It is also important to avoid sexual activities for a few weeks following the surgery. 
• Keep the wound or incision area clean and dry to prevent infection. Change the dressing as advised by the doctor. 
• Take regular follow-ups with the surgeon to ensure proper healing, monitor the recovery, and look for the early signs of complications, if any. 

Overall, the recovery period after the removal of an epididymal lump is usually relatively short and uncomplicated, and most patients resume normal activities within a few weeks after the surgery.