Epididymectomy

Why is it done?

• To remove a symptomatic painful epididymis post vasectomy.

Pre-requirements

• An informed consent is required from the patient.
• This occurs in less than 5 % of patients after a vasectomy and occur upto 15-20 years after a vasectomy
• Patients should be fasting for 8 hours prior to surgery.
• Patients are to refrain from smoking before the procedure.
• Patients allergic to IODINE/CHLORHEXIDINE should clearly state this to theatre staff and Dr schoeman
• The whole scrotum will be shaved prior to the procedure.

How is it done?

• • This procedure is performed under general anaesthetic.
  • A single incision is made on the midline raphe of the scrotum.
  • The affected testis and vas deference is then extracted through this incision.
  • The epididymis is exposed.
  • The epididymis is carefully removed off the testis without disrupting the blood supply to the testis.

• The cord is checked for hemorrhaging.
• A drain may be placed.
• A catheter may be left over night.
• A dressing is then applied, which should be removed after 72 hours.
• No strenuous movements are permitted for at least 14 days.

NB! You are required to bring 2 pairs of tight new undies for post-operative scrotal support.

What to expect after the procedure?

• Any anaesthetic has its risks and the anaesthetist will explain all such risks.
• The drain will be removed the next morning.
• The catheter will be removed 6-8 hours after the procedure.
• A haematoma (blood collection under the skin or in the scrotal cavity) may form and needs to be reviewed by Dr Schoeman as soon as possible. This may require drainage. Bruising is normal.
• An infection of the wound can occur and requires immediate attention.
• Owing to the nature of the surgery and the soft skin of the scrotum, bruising may appear to be much worse than it actually is and is no cause for alarm.
• DANGER SIGNS: A scrotum that swells immediately to size of a football, fever, puss. Contact Dr Schoeman or the hospital immediately as this may occur in up to 15% of all cases.

What next?

• The dressing should be kept dry for the initial 72 hours after surgery and then soaked in a bath until the dressing comes off with ease.
• The dressing may sometimes adhere to the wound causing slight bleeding on removal. Don’t panic, the bleeding will stop.
• Do not tug at the sutures!
• On discharge a prescription may be issued for patients to collect.
• Please direct all further queries to Dr Schoeman’s rooms.
• PLEASE CONTACT THE HOSPITAL DIRECT WITH ANY POST OPERATIVE CONCERNS AND RETURN TO THE HOSPITAL IMMEDIATELY SHOULD THERE BE ANY SIGNS OF SEPSIS.

Download Information Sheet

Epididymectomy