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Health

Testicular cyst removal surgery

, medical expert
Last reviewed: 14.10.2022
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Removal of a testicular cyst is one of the most common surgeries that is performed mainly on men aged 45 and older. The cyst is a malignant hollow neoplasm. As a rule, the cyst is filled with liquid exudate. The neoplasm is separated from the surrounding tissues by means of a fibrous membrane. Basically, a cyst can form anywhere on the body. It is simply removed through surgery. The operation is quite simple, it is carried out in the usual planned mode by appropriate surgical operations. However, if it is necessary to remove a testicular cyst, as a rule, patients are sensitive to this topic, with a certain measure of embarrassment. However, there is no reason to be embarrassed. This topic needs to be discussed, and to know the main nuances of the operation, its features. [1]

What is dangerous testicular cyst in men?

First of all, let's see what is dangerous testicular cyst in men. So, you need to understand that a cyst is a benign neoplasm. With any neoplasm, regardless of whether it is benign or malignant, there is always a risk of its malignancy, malignant degeneration and further growth. You also need to consider that the cyst can grow, blocking natural biological openings, including the urethra. The accumulation of exudate can lead to the development of a purulent, inflammatory process, to the further development of suppuration, the accumulation of purulent contents. It should be noted that with the development of an infectious process, there is always a risk of progression of the infection, the development of bacteremia and sepsis, its spread to other areas, especially to the kidneys. [2]

Testicular cyst in a child

The child may have a testicular cyst. In the presence of a cyst in a child, in any case, an operation is indicated. Children undergo surgery if the size of the neoplasm exceeds 1 centimeter. With a smaller size of the pathological neoplasm, surgery can be prevented using conservative treatment. It is also necessary to monitor the patient's condition with the help of ultrasound.

The testicular cyst is removed, as a rule, if its size exceeds 1 cm, because when this size is exceeded, it begins to grow rapidly, to increase sharply in diameter. Gradually, this leads to stretching of the scrotum, which leads to pain and other related symptoms. The danger lies in the fact that children are active, move a lot, and therefore the risk of injury to the cyst increases dramatically. This can lead to its further rupture and suppuration, which is fraught with such consequences as an infectious-inflammatory process, bacteremia, sepsis. In addition, due to the active metabolism, children have a high risk of malignant neoplasms. [3]

Testicular cyst in men and infertility

In men, testicular cysts and infertility are closely related. So, if there is injury to nearby tissues, the cyst itself, or there is bilateral tissue damage, there is a high probability of damage to the reproductive organs and further development of infertility. It should be borne in mind that the growth of a cyst is accompanied by an intense pain syndrome and an inflammatory process. This often leads to the spread of the infectious and inflammatory process to the reproductive organs, in connection with which infertility also develops. Also, infertility occurs due to the fact that the cyst disrupts the release of biological fluids, clogs the natural ducts. As a result, the functionality of the excretory ducts is disrupted, congestion develops, sperm motility is impaired, sperm is retained, which makes fertilization difficult. [4]

Indications for the procedure

The main indication for an operation to remove a testicular cyst in men is the presence of a cyst. It is a neoplasm of a benign nature, formed by connective tissue. The neoplasm is hollow, may be filled with purulent or serous exudate. In this case, the neoplasm is separated from the surrounding tissues by a layer of connective tissue. Any, even minimal injury to the cyst can lead to rupture of the neoplasm. The operation is performed with the appearance of acute arching pain, suppuration, fever, swelling, development of the inflammatory process. The development of the inflammatory process and infection must be stopped as soon as possible, since the risk of developing male infertility increases sharply. Also, the operation is indicated for an increase in the size of the cyst, with concomitant damage to the nerves and blood vessels, a decrease in sensitivity, with numbness and pain in the groin area, and circulatory disorders. In case of violations of normal blood circulation, clamping of blood vessels, an emergency operation must be performed. [5]

Technique of the testicular cyst removal

With a testicular cyst, it is surgically removed. Conservative methods of treatment are not used, as they are ineffective. In addition, time is lost, during which the cyst only increases in size, the risk of complications increases.

There are several techniques for performing the operation. Classical removal involves the traditional removal of the neoplasm with a surgical scalpel. There is a tissue incision, subsequent excision of the tumor, tissue suturing. [6]

Sclerotherapy is a modern technique for excising surrounding tissues. This technique is indicated for violations of blood clotting. Also, the procedure can be recommended to persons who have contraindications to traditional surgery. A special needle is inserted into the area of the cyst, which is used to pierce the skin of the scrotum. Then the exudate is pumped out. After that, the needle is inserted into the cavity of the cyst again. Medicines and adhesives are pumped there. Due to these funds, the walls of the appendage are glued together.

There is another method - puncture. This method is rarely used. The principle of manipulation has common principles with the principle of scleroderma. A distinctive feature is that after pumping out the contents of the cavity, the introduction of drugs does not occur. The disadvantages of this method are that the cavity can be refilled with fluid, and the risk of damage to the appendages and testicles is also high.

Laparoscopy is a very effective method of surgical intervention. The bottom line is that the removal of the cyst is carried out through a laparoscope (endoscope). An endoscope is inserted, a scalpel is inserted through it into the hole, the necessary manipulations are carried out. The cyst is removed. Then, after the operation, 4 incisions (holes) remain. Often the hole is filled with carbon dioxide, which allows the cavity to expand. This sharply reduces the risk of complications and injury to internal and adjacent organs. Often the operation is performed under video surveillance (a special optical device is introduced). Through it, observation is carried out, the image can be displayed outside. Small stitches are applied to them, or simply sealed with a plaster. Healing is fast. Almost no scars remain. The risk of complications, and in the first place, bacterial and viral infections, inflammation is minimal. The chance of injury is minimal.

As a rule, there are no complications after the procedure. The duration of the procedure does not exceed 30 minutes.

The behavior of the operation is as follows:

  1. The place of the operation is treated with a special antiseptic.
  2. A small incision is made in the area where the cyst is located.
  3. The cavity is examined until a cyst is found.
  4. The neoplasm is excised and removed from the wound.
  5. The edges of the wound are sutured, their antiseptic treatment is performed.

Perhaps laser removal of a cystic neoplasm. The operation technique is similar to the standard traditional technique. There is an advantage of using laser radiation during the operation. With the help of a laser beam, movements can be finely controlled, which minimizes the risk of complications. Also, the advantage is that with this technique there is no direct contact between soft tissues and the surgical instrument, therefore, the risk of injury is significantly reduced, and healing is accelerated. [7]

Removal of an epididymal cyst

Removal of the cyst of the epididymis is carried out using traditional surgical practices, using a conventional surgical scalpel. This procedure has certain features. The operation is performed under general anesthesia and requires preliminary preparation. About a month before the procedure, you need to undergo a special examination, based on the results of which a conclusion will be made regarding the indications and contraindications for the procedure. If the operation is allowed, further preparations are made. 14 days before the procedure, you need to switch to a diet, stop taking medications, if possible. The anesthesiologist and the doctor who will perform the operation must be informed about the medication. The day before surgery, you need to reduce food intake. The last meal should be 7-8 hours before surgery. It should also be borne in mind that on the day of the procedure itself, you can not drink, eat, use medicines.

The procedure is simple: first an incision is made, then the cyst is removed through a laparoscope or with a scalpel, after which the edges of the wound are sutured and processed. [8]

Contraindications to the procedure

There are certain contraindications to the operation to remove the cyst. For example, any surgical intervention is strictly contraindicated in various serious pathologies of the kidneys, liver, cardiovascular system, intolerance to anesthesia, acute inflammatory and infectious pathologies. The operation is not performed in case of exacerbation of chronic diseases, severe forms of diabetes mellitus, bleeding disorders, hemophilia, and taking anticoagulants.

Consequences after the procedure

As a rule, there are no negative consequences after the procedure. The patient's condition noticeably improves, pain and discomfort cease to disturb the person. In the first few days after surgery, soreness and swelling may persist at the site of surgery. Also noteworthy is the fact that after the procedure, an inflammatory process may develop if the rehabilitation period is not observed correctly. [9]

Complications after the procedure

After the procedure, complications are possible, in particular, inflammatory and infectious processes, pain. If you do not comply with antiseptics and asepsis, an infection, an inflammatory process may develop. With reduced immunity, the inflammatory-infectious process can progress up to the development of tissue necrosis, bacteremia, and sepsis. It is also possible hernia, divergence of the seams in the event that the rehabilitation period is not observed, lifting weights, walking a lot in the first days after the operation. With reduced immunity, the development of an inflammatory or infectious process, the temperature may rise.

Care after the procedure

After the procedure in the postoperative period, the patient needs care. The rehabilitation period for each patient is strictly individual and is determined by the characteristics of the course of the disease, the physiological characteristics of the patient. The speed of recovery of the patient is determined by how difficult the surgical intervention itself was, and also depends largely on the general well-being of the patient, on the state of his health, in particular, on the characteristics of the immune system, the recovery potential of the body.

Most patients experience improvement within 3-4 days after surgery. In general, the duration of the rehabilitation period is from one to several months. However, if you strictly follow all the doctor's recommendations, you can return to your usual lifestyle in 2-3 weeks. During this time, the wound surface is completely healed, pain and discomfort disappear. In 90% of cases, outpatient care is not required. Therefore, after 2-3 hours the patient can be discharged home. However, at home, the patient must follow the recommendations given by the attending physician.

During the rehabilitation period, the patient must strictly take all the medicines prescribed by the doctor. It should also be borne in mind that in the first days after the operation, swelling and soreness in the area of the operation may persist. Helps with this heating pad with ice in the area of the operation. It is also recommended to wear special lightweight underwear after the operation. Physical activity should be sharply limited for at least a week. Intimacy is contraindicated, driving a car for the rehabilitation period should also be abandoned. The area of the operation must be treated either with specially designated means, or with clean water and soapy water. After 10 days, a follow-up examination by a urologist is required. An ultrasound examination is performed, which helps to establish the likelihood of complications or establish the normal course of rehabilitation. [10]

Treatment of cysts of the epididymis without surgery

A cyst is a benign neoplasm that does not resolve on its own. However, there is a risk of complications, malignant degeneration of the tumor. Therefore, the cyst must be removed. Treatment of cysts of the epididymis without surgery is impossible. Only surgical treatment is required, since traditional treatment is ineffective. As a maintenance treatment that provides control of the condition, anti-infective, anti-inflammatory drugs are prescribed. However, this is a temporary measure that only partially delays the development and progression of the tumor.

Reviews

If you analyze the reviews, it can be noted that positive reviews prevail. Basically, the operation is fast, the postoperative period is short. Soreness and swelling disappear within 2-3 days after the operation. Full recovery occurs in 2-3 weeks. As a rule, after a month a man can return to his usual way of life. Only in some cases complications develop. Basically, they develop with improper observance of the rehabilitation period. Testicular cyst removal  can be considered a relatively simple procedure.

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