Analyses of indications for and outcomes of epididymectomy.

Abstract

We analyzed the contemporary indications for epididymectomy, and quantified outcomes in terms of symptom resolution, complications and patient satisfaction. The indications for surgery and outcomes for 57 patients who underwent epididymectomy between 1990 and 1994 were evaluated. A total of 30 patients (53%) underwent surgery for epididymal cysts and 27 (47%) for chronic epididymitis or epididymalgia. There was greater patient satisfaction among the cyst group (92%) compared to the epididymitis/epididymalgia group (43%, p < 0.001). Furthermore, more patients in the latter group complained of subsequent problems that they considered related to the procedure. The outcome of epididymectomy, is significantly more favorable in patients with epididymal cysts than with chronic epididymitis or intractable epididymal pain. Epididymectomy should be reserved for the former group but avoided in the latter cases unless they have been carefully counseled regarding the likelihood of poor results.