Re: Spermatolcele

Posted By HFHS M.D.-SAL on May 08, 1998 at 10:14:15:

In Reply to: Spermatolcele posted by Carly on April 27, 1998 at 16:34:05:






My husband had a vasectomy about ten years ago.  He has had problems with pain and swelling on and off since then.
The doctors say it is a spermatocele and want  to remove it.  What will this entail?  Will it really cure it or just
cause more problems in that area? He fears hormone prduction won't be the same or something and he will have to take
replacements.  Men seem to hate asking questions at the doctor and they obviously didn't explain this procedure well
enough to him to calm his fears.  Any help would be appreciated.
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Dear Carly,
A spermatocele is a cyst usually at the upper pole of the epididymis that contains sperm. It can give intermittent discomfort such as you describe. Removing it is an outpatient  surgical procedure that carries few risks. Usually this procedure solves the problem. The surgery does not affect the production of male hormone from this testis unless the testis is compromised by infection or damage to its blood supply (both are complications, but not likely). Remember, men usually have two testes and need less than one to maintain normal hormone levels.
Hope this has helped.
This information is provided for general medical information purposes only. Please consult  your physician for diagnostic and treatment options pertaining to your specific medical condition. The Henry Ford Hospital Department of Urology has experience in the evaluation and treatment of problems such as you describe. We would be most interested in helping you. You can reach us through our toll-free number (1-800-653-6568). We can also arrange local accommodations through this number if this is  your need. Please bring any x-rays [and pathology slides] (not just the reports) as well as any physicians notes and lab test results that you may be able to obtain. These will help us greatly.
HFHS M.D.-SAL
*Keyword: Spermatocele