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Epididymectomy is surgery to remove part or all of the epididymis, the coiled structure that stores and transports sperm beside a testicle. It may be considered for selected epididymal cysts, persistent infection, or pain focused in the epididymis. The testicle is usually preserved. Removing the epididymis interrupts sperm transport on the operated side.
read more about epididymectomy ...A clinician may consider surgery when symptoms arise from the epididymis and other treatments have not provided enough relief. The cause of a lump or persistent pain should be assessed before an operation. Surgery for chronic pain does not guarantee that the pain will resolve. Fertility goals are part of the treatment discussion.
The surgeon makes an incision in the scrotum and removes the affected part or all of the epididymis. The operation is performed with anesthesia. The surgeon aims to preserve the testicle and its blood supply. The incision is closed after the tissue is removed.
Scrotal swelling, bruising, and discomfort can occur after surgery. A supportive garment, pain relief, and limited activity may be recommended. The care team gives instructions for wound care and follow-up. The time needed to return to usual activities varies.
Risks include bleeding, infection, swelling, and persistent pain. Injury to the testicle or its blood supply is possible. Removing an epididymis prevents sperm from that testicle from traveling normally into the semen. Fertility may still be possible through the other side if it functions normally.
Usually not. The surgeon removes epididymal tissue and aims to preserve the testicle.
No. Pain can persist even when the epididymis has been removed.
Sperm from the operated testicle can no longer pass normally through the removed epididymis. The effect on overall fertility depends in part on the other side.
Both sides can be operated on when clinically necessary, but this can prevent sperm from entering the semen. Fertility implications should be discussed before bilateral surgery.
Canadian Urological Association best practice report on chronic scrotal pain. PubMed Central (PMC). https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5994986/. Date Accessed September 30, 2026.
Epididymectomy Is an Effective Treatment for Chronic Epididymal Pain. PubMed. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38226929/. Date Accessed September 30, 2026.
Long-term outcome of epididymectomy for the management of chronic epididymal pain. PubMed. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19683304/. Date Accessed September 30, 2026.
Understanding Epididymectomy. UMass Memorial Health. https://www.ummhealth.org/health-library/understanding-epididymectomy. Date Accessed September 30, 2026.
Understanding Epididymectomy. Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center. https://johnshopkinsbmcib.staywellsolutionsonline.com/Library/Encyclopedia/3%2C90774. Date Accessed September 30, 2026.