Scrotum

It may not be exactly fair to lump all of the scrotal conditions onto one page since these conditions are all very common and often require surgical correction when they become symptomatic. But that's what we are doing here.

Hydrocele

A hydrocele is a fluid filled sac around and attached to the testicle itself. Hydroceles form from a embryologically derived persistence of the processes vaginalis called the tunica vaginalis. Although all men have a potential to form a hydrocele only some men do. For reasons unknown, the tunica vaginalis can begin to collect fluid and become a hydrocele. The hydrocele can form suddenly and painfully, or it can grow slowly over many years and never cause pain or be bothersome in terms of size.

Removing the hydrocele involves opening the sac to allow it to drain. The entire sac cannot be removed because of its attachment to the testicle.

Hydroceles that are bothersome require surgery to get rid of the fluid and the fluid sac. The surgery is called a hydrocelectomy, The procedures are straightforward surgical procedures where patients go home the same day. Recovery usually requires 1-3 weeks of rest and light activity. Complications such as bleeding and infection are uncommon. The most common problem after a hydrocelectomy is recurrence of the hydrocele

Spermatocele/epididymal Cyst

Epididymal cysts and spermatoceles are both fluid filled sacs that form within the epididymis. An epididymal cyst contains clear, straw colored fluid. A spermatocele contains sperm. All men have the potential to form an epididymal cyst or spermatocele. For most men the fluid sac is small and not painful or bothersome. Occasionally the cyst or spermatocele will become large enough to require surgical removal.

Removal of the epididymal cyst or spermatocele is typically done as an outpatient procedure with the patient going home the same day. The procedure is straightforward and recovery usually takes 1-3 week rest and light activity. Risks of surgery included bleeding, infection, and, very rarely, injury of the epididymis or blood supply to the testicle.

The epididymal cyst or spermatocele comes from the epididymis

The cyst or spermatocele can be removed completely from the epididymis

Scrotal skin lesions

Many different scrotal skin issues exist. The most common that we see that can be removed surgically is benign sebaceous cysts of the scrotum

Varicocele

A varicocele is a dilated vein to the testicle. It is common and only infrequently causes problems.

Edema of Scrotum

Scrotal edema is seen in men with kidney or congestive heart failure.

Trauma

Injury to the scrotum is very uncommon. Most scrotal trauma is fixed surgically.