An epididymectomy is performed to remove the epididymis, a narrow, tightly coiled tube at the back of the testicle, to relieve pain and treat certain conditions.
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The epididymis is a small tube within the testicles that stores and carries sperm. 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 surgical procedure to remove part or all of one or both epididymides. This 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
At OneWelbeck, an epididymectomy is usually done on an outpatient basis, so you can go home afterwards.
Before the procedure, you will have a consultation with one of our urology specialists. They will assess your condition and overall health, help decide whether it is 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:
You’ll be given sedation and light anaesthetic to make you drowsy, and a local anaesthetic will be injected into your scrotum to numb the area.
Your surgeon will make a small incision in your scrotum and locate the epididymis.
They will then carefully separate and remove part or all of the epididymis from the testicle.
The incision is closed using sutures (stitches) or surgical glue and a dressing is applied to protect the wound and aid healing.
You will be monitored for a short period in our outpatient centre before being discharged.
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.
After an epididymectomy, sperm produced in the testicles can no longer travel through the reproductive system. Instead, sperm is reabsorbed by the body.
If both epididymides are removed, your natural fertility is permanently affected. However, in cases where only one epididymis is removed, sperm production may continue from the other testicle. Sperm can also be stored prior to the procedure if required.
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 disruption in blood supply
When performed by a OneWelbeck 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.
The procedure typically takes 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the complexity and whether one or both epididymides are being removed.
Discomfort is expected after surgery, but can be managed with pain medications. Most patients report mild to moderate pain during recovery.
Most patients recover within 2 to 4 weeks, with full healing taking up to 6 weeks. Following post-op care instructions can speed up recovery and reduce the risk of complications.
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