Scrotal, Penile & Fertility
Epididymal Cyst Excision
A straightforward surgical procedure to remove painful or uncomfortable cysts from the epididymis. Safely resolve long-term discomfort and the sensation of a physical lump with this routine day-case operation.
Key takeaways
- A straightforward surgical procedure to remove painful or uncomfortable cysts from the epididymis. Safely resolve long-term discomfort and the sensation of a physical lump with this routine day-case operation.
- Specialty: Scrotal, Penile & Fertility
Day case
Usually general anaesthetic
48
Initial swelling usually settleshrs
Permanent
Usually removes the lump for good
Treatment Overview
About Epididymal Cyst Excision
Epididymal cyst excision is the surgical removal of one or more fluid-filled sacs (cysts) that develop in the epididymis. This is the coiled tube located just behind the testicle where sperm is stored and matured.
While most of these cysts (sometimes called spermatoceles) are harmless, they can sometimes grow large enough to cause a "dragging" sensation or chronic pain. Surgery is recommended if the cyst is causing you significant physical discomfort or distress. The procedure involves a small, precise incision in the scrotum to delicately separate the cyst from the fragile tubes of the epididymis.
Safety Information
Benefits, Risks & Side Effects
01
Benefits
The main benefit is the permanent removal of a physical lump that was causing you pain or worry.
Effective Relief: It stops the "dragging" sensation and physical discomfort caused by larger cysts.
02
Risks
This is a common and straightforward operation, but there are specific points to consider. There is a 3–5% risk of internal bruising (haematoma) and a small risk of infection.
Crucially, because the epididymis is a very delicate tube, there is a risk of causing a blockage on that side. This could affect your fertility in the future. For this reason, we usually advise men who still wish to have children to consider other options first. There is also a 10–20% chance of a lingering dull ache even after the cyst has been removed.
03
Side Effects
It is very common to experience swelling and bruising for the first 48 hours after surgery. You will likely feel a dull ache in the scrotum and sometimes in the groin area for several days. As you heal, you might notice a small area of "hardness" where the cyst used to be; this is just internal scar tissue and typically softens and disappears over 3 to 6 months.
What We Treat
How Epididymal Cyst Excision Can Help You
This treatment is effective for a wide range of health needs. Select a condition below to learn more about how we can support your recovery and improve your daily well-being.
Patient Journey
What to Expect
A step-by-step guide through your Epididymal Cyst Excision journey—from preparation and what happens during the procedure to recovery and aftercare.
01/ 03
Before Procedure
To ensure we have the full picture, you will have a scrotal ultrasound to confirm the cyst is separate from the testicle.
Fertility Discussion: If you are under 40 or planning a family, your specialist will discuss the impact on your fertility in detail.
Health Check: You’ll have a standard pre-operative assessment and provide a urine sample to rule out infection.
Fasting: As the procedure is usually done under a general anaesthetic (where you are asleep), you must not eat or drink for 6 hours beforehand.
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During Procedure
The operation is a "day-case" procedure, meaning you’ll usually be home on the same day. It takes about 30 to 45 minutes.
While you are asleep, the surgeon makes a small, neat incision in the skin of the scrotum.
They carefully separate the cyst from the delicate epididymis tubes.
Once the cyst is removed, the area is checked to ensure there is no bleeding.
The skin is closed with fine, dissolvable stitches that do not need to be removed.
03/ 03
After Procedure
Recovery is focused on keeping the area supported and comfortable.
Support: You must wear snug-fitting, supportive underwear (or a scrotal support) 24 hours a day for the first 2 weeks to keep swelling to a minimum.
Ice Packs: Use a cold pack wrapped in a cloth for 10 minutes at a time during the first 2 days.
Activity: Avoid heavy lifting and the gym for 2 to 3 weeks. You can usually return to an office job within 3 to 5 days.
Healing: Your stitches will dissolve and fall away on their own in about 2 to 3 weeks.
Specialists
Specialists for Epididymal Cyst Excision
Leading experts for this treatment. View profiles to see clinical backgrounds and current availability.
Mr. James ArmitageConsultant Urologist
Mr. Nimish ShahConsultant Urological Surgeon
Professor Christof KastnerAssociate Professor & Consultant Urologist
Mr. Kasra Saeb-ParsyConsultant Urological Surgeon
Mr. Oliver WisemanConsultant Urologist
Mr. David ThurtleConsultant Urological Surgeon
Professor John KellyConsultant Urological Surgeon
Mr. Laurian DragosConsultant Urologist
Mr. Tev AhoConsultant UrologistOur Commitment
Care you can trust
Every treatment is delivered to the same standard: senior consultants, a personalised plan, and the safety of an accredited private hospital behind you.
Consultant-Led Excellence
Receive evidence-based treatments delivered by senior NHS consultants in a professional, specialist setting.
Personalised Care Plans
Your consultant will design a bespoke treatment plan tailored to your specific health goals and lifestyle.
Hospital-Grade Safety
We operate within leading private hospitals, adhering to strict CQC safety and technology standards.
A Heritage of Trust
Our partners bring decades of NHS and private experience, successfully managing thousands of patient cases.
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Patient Guidance
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this treatment and what to expect.
3 questions
It might. Because the epididymis is a very fine, coiled tube that carries sperm, surgery to remove a cyst can sometimes cause scarring that blocks the passage of sperm on that side. If your other testicle is healthy, you will likely still be fertile, but we generally advise against this surgery for younger men who have not yet completed their families unless the pain is severe.
Reviewed 2 Mar 2026
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An epididymal cyst is almost always a separate, soft lump that sits *above* or *behind* the testicle and usually feels like a 'third testicle' or a grape. Testicular cancer almost always presents as a hard, painless lump *within* the body of the testicle itself. A simple scrotal ultrasound is 99% accurate at telling the difference between the two.
Reviewed 2 Mar 2026
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It is very common to feel a firm lump at the surgery site for the first few weeks; this is usually 'healing tissue' or a small internal bruise (haematoma) rather than a new cyst. This firm area will slowly shrink and soften over several months. True recurrence of the cyst is rare (less than 5%).
Reviewed 2 Mar 2026
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