Understanding Epididymectomy

An epididymectomy is a surgery to remove the epididymis. An epididymis is a tube that holds sperm. You may need this surgery if you have an infection, tumor, or cyst.

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An epididymectomy is a surgery to remove the epididymis. An epididymis is a tube that holds sperm. You have two of these tubes, one in the back of each testicle.

Front view of male outline showing reproductive tract.

How to say it

ehp-ih-dihd-uh-MEHK-tuh-mee

Why epididymectomy is done

You may need this procedure for a number of reasons. These include:

  • An injury to the groin area

  • An infection or pus-filled lump (abscess) in the epididymis that is hard to treat

  • A tumor or large fluid-filled sac (cyst) in the epididymis

  • Long-term (chronic) pain, such as after a vasectomy

How epididymectomy is done

This procedure is often done on an outpatient basis. That means you can go home afterward. During the procedure:

  • You are given medicine to make you drowsy or fall asleep. You won’t feel pain.

  • The surgeon makes a cut (incision) into your scrotum. They find the epididymis.

  • The surgeon removes part or all of the epididymis.

  • The surgeon closes up the incision with stitches (sutures) or surgical glue.

Risks of epididymectomy

  • Bleeding

  • Infection

  • Pain

  • Being unable to have children (infertility)

  • Damage to a testicle or blood supply to the testicle