Epididymectomy in the management of intrascrotal disease: a critical reappraisal.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the outcome of epididymectomy as a method of treating epididymal pathology.


METHODS
Forty-one patients who underwent epididymectomy between 1990 and 1995 were analysed retrospectively; their clinical records were reviewed and their satisfaction with the outcome and relief of symptoms assessed using a questionnaire and/or telephone interview.


RESULTS
Twenty-nine patients with pain were subdivided into three categories depending on the indication for epididymectomy, i.e. post-vasectomy epididymal engorgement (eight patients), complex cystic disease (11) or 'chronic epididymitis' (10). The outcome was satisfactory in 27 of the 29 patients. The best results were obtained in the group who underwent epididymectomy after vasectomy, where seven of eight improved after the procedure. Those with chronic epididymitis had the least favourable outcome, with only seven reporting any improvement in symptoms.


CONCLUSIONS
Epididymectomy has a valuable role in the management of epididymal pathology in appropriately selected patients.
Sweeney
P
P
Department of Urology, Meath Hospital, Dublin, Ireland.
Tan
J
J
Butler
M R
MR
McDermott
T E
TE
Grainger
R
R
Thornhill
J A
JA
D003560:Cysts / Q000601:surgery; D004822:Epididymis / Q000601:surgery*; D004823:Epididymitis / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010146:Pain / Q000209:etiology; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013733:Testicular Diseases / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D017211:Treatment Failure