Epididymectomy

What is an epididymectomy?

The epididymis is a narrow, tightly coiled set of tubes at the back of the testicles. Sperm cells move from the testicles into the epididymis, where they finish maturing (gain the ability to swim and fertilise an egg) and are stored. 

An epididymectomy is a simple surgical procedure that’s performed to remove part or all of one or both epididymides. 

At Welbeck, epididymectomy procedures are performed in our state-of-the-art Men's Health clinic by our expert consultant urological surgeons, who tailor and personalise treatment to your individual needs.  

Why is an epididymectomy done?

The procedure is usually recommended for individuals experiencing chronic pain or other medical conditions affecting the epididymis. Epididymectomy is typically performed for the following reasons:

• chronic epididymitis – persistent inflammation of the epididymis that does not respond to antibiotics or other treatments

• chronic scrotal pain – severe, ongoing pain that affects daily activities and has not been unresolved with conservative treatments

• infection or abscess – in some cases, bacterial infections may lead to an abscess on the epididymis that requires removal

• cysts or tumours – benign or malignant growths affecting the epididymis

• post-vasectomy pain syndrome – after a vasectomy, some individuals experience chronic pain and epididymectomy may provide relief

What does an epididymectomy procedure involve?

At Welbeck, an epididymectomy is usually done on an outpatient basis, so you can go home afterwards.

Before the procedure, you'll have a consultation with one of our urology specialists. They will assess your condition and overall health, help decide whether it's the best option for your symptoms, and explain the procedure to you, as well as any risks.  

The procedure is straightforward, involving the following steps: 

1. You’ll be given sedation to make you drowsy, and a local anaesthetic will be injected into your scrotum to numb the area. 

2. Your surgeon will make a small incision in your scrotum and locate the epididymis.

3. They will then carefully separate and remove part or all of the epididymis from the testicle.

4. The incision is closed using sutures (stitches) or surgical glue, and a dressing is applied to protect the wound and aid healing.

5. You'll be monitored for a short period in our outpatient centre before being discharged.

What are the risks associated with an epididymectomy?

An epididymectomy is considered to be a very safe procedure, and the success rate is high.  

Potential risks include:

• bleeding – some patients experience minor bleeding or a collection of blood at the surgical site

• infection – proper wound care minimises this risk

• pain or discomfort – you may experience temporary swelling and soreness post-surgery

• infertility – removal of both epididymides results in infertility

• testicular atrophy – in very rare cases, the testicle may shrink due to a disruption in the blood supply

When performed by a Welbeck specialist, these risks are minimal. The follow-up care you’ll receive from your consultant also reduces the risk of complications to ensure you leave their care with the best possible outcome. 

How to prepare for an epididymectomy

At your consultation, your consultant will ask you some questions about your general health, your symptoms and will talk you through the procedure.

As you’ll receive a light anaesthetic, you’ll need to fast before the procedure. Your consultant will provide you with any other preparatory requirements to ensure the procedure goes smoothly.

Epididymectomy recovery and aftercare

Your consultant will give you instructions after the procedure to ensure a smooth recovery. These may include:

• limiting activity – it’s important to rest and avoid strenuous activities, heavy lifting, and sexual activity for a few weeks while the area heals

• pain management – any mild pain and swelling you experience can be managed with prescribed or over-the-counter painkillers like paracetamol and ibuprofen

• wound care – your consultant will explain how to keep the incision site clean and dry to prevent infection

• wearing supportive underwear – you may find that wearing a scrotal support garment will help to reduce discomfort and swelling 

Your consultant will arrange for you to attend a follow-up appointment shortly after the procedure, where they will check how you’re healing and address any signs of complications.

Why choose Welbeck?