A hydrocele is an abnormal fluid collection between the outer tissue layers of the testicle. These tissue layers naturally secrete fluid and when this fluid is not reabsorbed, as it usually would be, a fluid collection or hydrocele forms. The cause of most hydroceles is unknown, although some may be related to trauma, infection, or past surgery.

A spermatocele is a cyst-like sac that is usually attached to the epididymis, the tube that sits behind the testicle and stores sperm. The sac of a spermatocele is filled with sperm. The exact cause of a spermatocele is unknown but it is thought that injury and obstruction may play a part in their formation.

An epididymal cyst is much the same as a spermatocele. However, the sac attached to the epididymis is a true cyst and is filled with cystic fluid and not sperm.

WHAT IS A HYDROCELECTOMY, SPERMATOCELECTOMY AND AN EPIDIDYMAL CYSTECTOMY?

A hydrocelectomy is an operation to treat a hydrocele. An incision is made in the scrotum and the testicle containing the hydrocele is lifted out. The sac is then removed and the remaining tissue edges are stitched back. The tissue edges then heal onto themselves and the surrounding vessels naturally reabsorb any fluid produced.

A spermatocelectomy is an operation to remove a spermatocele from the epididymis of a testicle. An incision is made in the scrotum and the testicle with its attached spermatocele is lifted out. The spermatocele is then removed from the epididymis and any bleeding areas are sealed off.

An epididymal cystectomy is an operation to remove the cyst from the epididymis. The operation is performed in exactly the same way as a spermatocelectomy.

After all three types of surgery, once the operation is complete, the wounds are stitched closed with dissolving stitches that dissolve slowing in the weeks following surgery. No wound drains are usually required.

Hydrocelectomy, spermatocelectomy and epididymal cystectomy are usually not performed unless the hydrocele, spermatocele or epididymal cyst are causing pain or social embarrassment. All three operations are usually simple day stay procedures and complications are rare. Haematoma (blood clot collection), wound infection, abscess, and recurrence, are all very uncommon complications and success rates for surgery usually approach 100%.