Microscopic Cyst Resection for the Treatment of Patients Diagnosed with Epididymal Cyst
Summary
Here, we present a protocol to treat patients diagnosed with an epididymal cyst using microscopic cyst resection. Based on microscopic manipulation, a largely improved visualization of the subtle tissue structures of the epididymis was obtained, so the cyst could be clearly dissected apart and completely removed intact.
Abstract
Epididymal cysts mostly occur in men aged 20-40 years old. Previous reports have covered concerns about postoperative complexes, including postoperative asoedema, hematoma, sustaining pain, and seminal tract obstruction in patients who have undertaken nonmicroscopic epididymal cyst resection or epididymal resection. Nonmicroscopic epididymal cyst surgery is suggested for patients with childbirth plans as a precaution. The treatment of male epididymal cysts via microtechnology is obviously a beneficial option; we took the lead in carrying out microscopic epididymal exploration and cyst resection surgery in China. From September 2017 to April 2021, 41 young and middle-aged male patients diagnosed with epididymal cysts underwent microtechnology treatment in a program titled "microscopic epididymal exploration and cystectomy". The postoperative follow-up lasted for 3-50 months. The results confirmed that, as microscopic manipulation largely improved visualization of the subtle tissue structures of the epididymis, the cyst could be clearly dissected apart and completely removed intact under the microscope. Bleeding during the operation was significantly reduced (2-3 mL) and wound drainage was not required. According to follow-up data, microscopic treatment significantly reduced the incidence of postoperative scrotal hematoma, edema, and long-term postoperative pain, thereby promising a higher surgical success rate as well as recurrence prevention. Besides, preliminary experience and reflection suggest that microscopic epididymal exploration and cystectomy provide efficient preservation of the epididymal patency through refined treatment, while a better prognosis can be achieved. We recommend that surgery be carried out before the epididymal cyst develops to 0.8 cm in diameter, for fear that a larger epididymal cyst (>0.9 cm in diameter) could cause the complete destruction of all tubules of the ipsilateral epididymis – a more severe case with damage to the testicular output network.
Introduction
Epididymal cysts mostly occur in men aged 20-40 years old, although some literature also exists concerning epididymal cysts in childhood1,2. Previous reports have covered concerns about surgical destruction and postoperative scarring in patients undertaking nonmicroscopic epididymal cyst resection or epididymal resection3,4. Other postoperative complexes include seminal tract obstruction, immune infertility, and testicular atrophy. There is also a higher risk for postoperative occurrence, and even recurrence, of hematoma, edema, and a sustaining pain and cyst5,6. There are also reports that epididymal cysts can resolve spontaneously without surgery7. As a result, previous studies have concluded that epididymal cysts do not lead to testicular network expansion without intervention, and puncture or surgical treatment can be considered if epididymal cysts combine with testicular network expansion or damage of the proximal vas deferens2,4. Further, some investigators believe that patients with large epididymal cysts combined with pain are also suitable for surgical resection8. The treatment of epididymal cysts by puncture alone is prone to relapse. Traditional (nonmicroscopic) cyst resection or epididymectomy may destroy the epididymal canal, leading to epididymal obstruction, immune infertility, or even testicular atrophy; therefore, one should be cautious for young patients with fertility requirements2,9. Patients with childbirth plans are recommended to choose traditional (nonmicroscopic) epididymal cyst surgery as a cautionary measure.
Microsurgical methods have been widely used in the treatment of vas deferens obstruction and epididymal obstruction, with excellent results10,11. The treatment of male epididymal cysts via microtechnology may be a beneficial option, however the necessity of extending microtechnology treatment to male epididymal cysts is questionable. We took the lead in carrying out microscopic epididymal exploration and cyst resection surgery in China. We carried out retrospective analysis of the clinical data of male patients, initially diagnosed with epididymal cysts, admitted to the urology inpatient department of the Affiliated Hospital of Kunming University of Technology (the First People’s Hospital of Yunnan Province) between September 2017 and April 2019. The patients were younger than 45 years old and required fertility preservation. Based on microscopic manipulation, which largely improved visualization of the subtle tissue structures of the epididymis, the cyst could be clearly dissected apart and completely removed intact.
Protocol
Representative Results
Discussion
As we mentioned previously, epididymal cysts mostly occur in men aged 20 to 40 years, while there is also some literature on epididymal cysts in childhood1,2. To date, the cause of epididymal cysts is not clear, and there is no specific medicine for its treatment. In addition to a few reports that epididymal cysts can resolve spontaneously without surgery7, most epididymal cysts, although their progression and enlargement are relatively sl…
Disclosures
The authors have nothing to disclose.
Acknowledgements
This study was supported by health science and technology projects in Yunnan Province (NO.2018NS0256) and training objects of medical subject leaders in Yunnan Province (NO. D-2018039)
Materials
| Ablation electrode | Baisheng Medical Devices Co., Ltd. China | OBS-Db | |
| Anesthesia apparatus | Datex-Ohmeda,Inc.USA | Aespire View, Datex-Ohmeda | |
| Compact Anesthesia Monitor | GE Healthcare Finland OY.Finland | S/5 Compact | |
| Electric knife | Valleylab.USA | Valleylab Force FX-8C | |
| Surgical (operation) microscope | Lecia Microsysterms (Schweiz) AG. Germany | Lecia M525 F20 |
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