Understanding Epididymectomy

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.

Say "eh-puh-dih-duh-MEK-tuh-mee."

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.

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.

• Bleeding
• Infection
• Pain
• Being unable to have children (infertility)
• Damage to a testicle or blood supply to the testicle