title: Epididymectomy is an effective treatment for scrotal pain after vasectomy.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To investigate the efficacy of epididymectomy in patients with significant scrotal pain after vasectomy.
  
  
  METHODS
  Sixteen patients were identified retrospectively to have undergone epididymectomy for pain after vasectomy; 19 epididymectomies were performed (three bilateral and 13 unilateral). Details from the preoperative investigations, histological examination and follow-up of symptoms were analysed and correlated. Outcomes were initially assessed at the routine outpatient clinic review 3 months after surgery and the long-term outcomes were assessed by a telephone interview 3-8 years after epididymectomy (mean 5.5 years).
  
  
  RESULTS
  Of the 16 patients, 14 had excellent initial symptomatic benefit from epididymectomy. At 3-8 years afterward, nine of 10 patients interviewed had a sustained improvement of their scrotal pain. The following were indicators of a poor outcome: atypical symptoms including testicular or groin pain; erectile dysfunction and normal appearance of the epididymis on ultrasonography. Patients with bilateral scrotal pain can have a good outcome after epididymectomy.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Epididymectomy in well-selected patients is a reliable and effective treatment for pain after vasectomy.
authors.affiliation: Department of Urology, Freeman Hospital, Freeman Road, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, UK.
authors.forename: A F
authors.initials: AF
authors.lastname: West
authors.forename: H Y
authors.initials: HY
authors.lastname: Leung
authors.forename: P H
authors.initials: PH
authors.lastname: Powell
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D004822:Epididymis / Q000601:surgery*; D004823:Epididymitis / Q000209:etiology; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010149:Postoperative Pain / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D011788:Quality of Life; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012611:Scrotum / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014463:Ultrasonography; D014659:Vasectomy / Q000009:adverse effects*