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Urology (Expert Forum)
Spermatolcele
Questions in the Urology forum are answered by Dr. Stephen Liroff, affiliated with the Henry Ford Hospital. Topics covered include benign prostate disease, penis curvature, cystisis, kidney stones, pediatric urology, prostate, sexual dysfunction, urinary tract infections (UTI), and urological cancers.
Spermatolcele
by Carly__0, Apr 27, 1998 12:00AM
: 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.
I'm not the doctor, so keep checking back for his response.
I cannot answer your question except to say that I cannot think of a good reason why removing a spermatocele should have any bearing on testosterone generation. I don't think he really has anything to worry about.
As for the surgery, I can't tell you much. If you want, my web page has some links to other sites with information on spermatoceles. Take a look at the links/Other men's conditions page. Also take a look at the first article on the links/articles page.
Good Luck!
Dear Carly,
This is in reply to your question regarding spermatocelectomy (surgical excision of a spermatocele). Spermatoceles are common and increase with frequency with age. Surgery is indicated if there is pain or if the spermatocele grows to a very large size. Removal of a spermatocele may cause obstruction of the epididymis which may affect fertility.
In your husbands case, fertility is not an issue since he had a vasectomy several years prior. The surgery involves making an incision in the scrotum and delivering the affected testis through the incision. The tissue layer covering the testis and spermatocele is opened. The spermatocele is then dissected free of the epididymis. Some surgeons do this via a micro-surgical technique to insure that there is no inadvertent injury to the epididymal tubules. Next, the tissue layers and the wound are closed.
This operation should not affect the testosterone level. The testes are the major site of male hormone production and, while the surgical procedure involves that area, the testis should be protected and preserved throughout the procedure. There should be no need for testosterone/hormone replacement if your husband has normal testes prior to the operation.
This information is provided for general medical education purposes only. Please consult your physician for diagnostic and treatment options pertaining to your specific medical condition.
Sincerely yours;
HFHS M.D.-JL
* Keyword: spermatocelectomy; spermatocele
