Surgery to remove a testicular cyst

Removal of a testicular cyst is one of the most common surgeries, which are performed mainly on men aged 45 and older. A cyst is a malignant hollow neoplasm. As a rule, a cyst is filled with liquid exudate. The neoplasm is separated from the surrounding tissues by a fibrous membrane. In fact, a cyst can form anywhere on the body. It is simply removed by surgery. The operation is quite simple, it is usually carried out in the usual planned mode of appropriate surgical operations. However, if it is necessary to remove a testicular cyst, as a rule, patients treat this topic meticulously, with a certain degree of embarrassment. However, there is no reason for embarrassment. This topic needs to be discussed, and the main nuances of the operation, its features, should be known. [ 1 ]

Why is a testicular cyst dangerous in men?

First of all, let's figure out why a testicular cyst is dangerous in men. So, you need to understand that a cyst is a benign neoplasm. With any neoplasm, regardless of whether it is benign or malignant, there is always a risk of its malignancy, malignant degeneration and further growth. It should also be taken into account that a cyst can grow, blocking natural biological openings, including the urethra. The accumulation of exudate can lead to the development of a purulent, inflammatory process, to the further development of suppuration, the accumulation of purulent contents. It is worth noting that with the development of an infectious process, there is always a risk of infection progression, the development of bacteremia and sepsis, its spread to other areas, especially to the kidneys. [ 2 ]

Testicular cyst in a child

A child may have a testicular cyst. If a child has a cyst, surgery is indicated in any case. Children undergo surgery if the size of the neoplasm exceeds 1 centimeter. If the pathological neoplasm is smaller, surgery can be prevented using conservative treatment. The patient's condition should also be monitored using ultrasound.

A testicular cyst is usually removed if its size exceeds 1 cm, since when this size is exceeded, it begins to grow rapidly, sharply increasing in diameter. Gradually, this leads to stretching of the scrotum, which entails pain and other corresponding symptoms. The danger is also that children are active, move a lot, due to which the risk of injury to the cyst increases sharply. This can lead to its further rupture and suppuration, which is fraught with such consequences as an infectious and inflammatory process, bacteremia, sepsis. In addition, due to active metabolism, children have a high risk of malignant neoplasm. [ 3 ]

Testicular cyst in men and infertility

In men, testicular cysts and infertility are closely related. Thus, if there is trauma to nearby tissues, the cyst itself, or bilateral tissue damage, there is a high probability of damage to the reproductive organs and further development of infertility. It should be taken into account that the growth of the cyst is accompanied by intense pain syndrome and an inflammatory process. This often leads to the spread of the infectious and inflammatory process to the reproductive organs, which also leads to infertility. Infertility also occurs due to the fact that the cyst disrupts the secretion of biological fluids, clogging natural ducts. As a result, the functionality of the excretory ducts is disrupted, stagnation develops, sperm motility is disrupted, sperm is retained, which complicates fertilization. [ 4 ]

Indications for the procedure

The main indication for the operation to remove a testicular cyst in men is the presence of a cyst. It is a benign neoplasm formed by connective tissue. The neoplasm is hollow and can be filled with purulent or serous exudate. In this case, the neoplasm is separated from the surrounding tissues by a layer of connective tissue. Any, even minimal, trauma to the cyst can lead to a rupture of the neoplasm. The operation is performed when acute bursting pain appears, with suppuration, increased body temperature, swelling, and the development of an inflammatory process. The development of the inflammatory process and infection must be stopped as quickly as possible, since the risk of developing male infertility increases sharply. The operation is also indicated when the cyst increases in size, with concomitant damage to the nerves and blood vessels, decreased sensitivity, numbness and pain in the groin area, and circulatory disorders. In case of disturbances in normal blood circulation, compression of blood vessels, an emergency operation must be performed. [ 5 ]

Technique testicular cyst removal

In case of a testicular cyst, its surgical removal is performed. Conservative treatment methods are not used, as they are ineffective. In addition, time is lost, during which the cyst only increases in size, the risk of complications increases.

There are several techniques for performing the operation. Classical removal involves traditional removal of the neoplasm using a surgical scalpel. The tissue is cut, the tumor is then excised, and the tissue is sutured. [ 6 ]

Sclerotherapy is a modern technique of excision of surrounding tissues. This technique is indicated for blood clotting disorders. The procedure can also be recommended to people who have contraindications to traditional surgery. A special needle is inserted into the cyst area, which pierces the skin of the scrotum. Then the exudate is pumped out. After this, the needle is inserted into the cyst cavity again. Medicines and adhesive substances are pumped in there. Due to these substances, the walls of the appendage are glued together.

There is another method - puncture. This method is rarely used. The principle of the manipulation has common principles with the principle of scleroderma. The distinctive feature is that after pumping out the contents of the cavity, the introduction of drugs does not occur. The disadvantages of this method are that the cavity can be refilled with liquid, and there is also a high risk of damage to the appendages and testicles.

Laparoscopy is a very effective method of surgical intervention. The essence is that the cyst is removed through a laparoscope (endoscope). An endoscope is inserted, a scalpel is inserted into the opening through it, and the necessary manipulations are performed. The cyst is removed. Then, after the operation, 4 incisions (openings) remain. Often, the opening is filled with carbon dioxide, which allows the cavity to be expanded. This dramatically reduces the risk of complications and injury to internal and adjacent organs. Often, the operation is performed under video surveillance (a special optical device is inserted). Observation is conducted through it, the image can be displayed outside. Small stitches are applied to them, or they are simply sealed with a band-aid. Healing occurs quickly. There are practically no scars. The risk of complications, primarily bacterial and viral infections, inflammations, is minimal. The likelihood of injury is minimal.

As a rule, there are no complications after the procedure. The duration of the procedure does not exceed 30 minutes.

The technique of the operation is as follows:

1. The site of the operation is treated with a special antiseptic.
2. A small incision is made in the area where the cyst is located.
3. The cavity is examined until a cyst is found.
4. The neoplasm is excised and removed from the wound.
5. The edges of the wound are sutured and treated with antiseptics.

Laser removal of cystic neoplasm is possible. The surgical technique is similar to the standard traditional technique. There is an advantage to using laser radiation during the operation. With the help of a laser beam, it is possible to finely control movements, which minimizes the risk of complications. Another advantage is that with this technique there is no direct contact between soft tissues and the surgical instrument, therefore the risk of injury is significantly reduced, healing is accelerated. [ 7 ]

Removal of epididymal cyst

Removal of the epididymis cyst is performed using traditional surgical practices, using a conventional surgical scalpel. This procedure has certain features. The operation is performed under general anesthesia and requires preliminary preparation. About a month before the procedure, you need to undergo a special examination, based on the results of which a conclusion will be made regarding the indications and contraindications for the procedure. If the operation is allowed, further preparation is done. 14 days before the procedure, you need to switch to a dietary diet, stop taking medications, if possible. You need to inform the anesthesiologist and the doctor who will perform the operation about taking medications. The day before the operation, you need to reduce food intake. The last meal should be 7-8 hours before the operation. You should also take into account that on the day of the procedure itself, you cannot drink, eat, or take medications.

The procedure is simple: first an incision is made, then the cyst is removed through a laparoscope or with a scalpel, after which the edges of the wound are sutured and treated. [ 8 ]

Contraindications to the procedure

There are certain contraindications to cyst removal surgery. For example, any surgical intervention is strictly contraindicated in various serious pathologies of the kidneys, liver, cardiovascular system, in case of intolerance to anesthesia, acute inflammatory and infectious pathologies. The surgery is not performed in case of exacerbation of chronic diseases, in severe forms of diabetes mellitus, in case of blood clotting disorders, in case of hemophilia, in case of taking anticoagulants.

Consequences after the procedure

As a rule, there are no negative consequences after the procedure. The patient's condition noticeably improves, pain and discomfort cease to bother the person. In the first few days after the operation, pain and swelling at the site of the surgical intervention may persist. It is also noteworthy that an inflammatory process may develop after the procedure if the rehabilitation period is not followed correctly. [ 9 ]

Complications after the procedure

Complications are possible after the procedure, in particular, inflammatory and infectious processes, pain. If antisepsis and asepsis are not observed, an infection or inflammatory process may develop. With reduced immunity, the inflammatory and infectious process can progress to the development of tissue necrosis, bacteremia, sepsis. A hernia or suture divergence is also possible if the rehabilitation period is not observed, heavy objects are lifted, or a lot of walking occurs in the first days after the operation. With reduced immunity, the development of an inflammatory or infectious process, the temperature may rise.

Care after the procedure

After the procedure, the patient requires care in the postoperative period. The rehabilitation period for each patient is strictly individual and is determined by the characteristics of the course of the disease, the physiological characteristics of the patient. The speed of the patient's recovery is determined by how difficult the surgical intervention itself was, and also depends largely on the general well-being of the patient, on his health, in particular, on the characteristics of the immune system, the recovery potential of the body.

Most patients experience an improvement in their condition within 3-4 days after the operation. In general, the rehabilitation period lasts from one to several months. However, if you strictly follow all the doctor's recommendations, you can return to your normal lifestyle in 2-3 weeks. During this time, the wound surface heals completely, pain and discomfort disappear. In 90% of cases, outpatient care is not required. Therefore, the patient can be discharged home within 2-3 hours. However, at home, the patient must follow the recommendations given by the attending physician.

During the rehabilitation period, the patient must strictly take all medications prescribed by the doctor. It should also be taken into account that swelling and pain in the area of the operation may persist in the first days after the operation. An ice pack in the area of the operation helps with this. It is also recommended to wear special lightweight underwear after the operation. Physical activity should be sharply limited for at least a week. Intimacy is contraindicated, and driving a car should also be avoided during the rehabilitation period. The area of the operation should be treated either with specially prescribed products or with clean water and soapy water. After 10 days, a follow-up examination by a urologist is required. An ultrasound examination is performed, which helps to determine the likelihood of complications or to establish the normal course of rehabilitation. [ 10 ]

Treatment of epididymal cyst without surgery

A cyst is a benign neoplasm that does not resolve on its own. However, there is a risk of complications and malignant degeneration of the tumor. Therefore, the cyst must be removed. Treatment of a cyst of the epididymis without surgery is impossible. Only surgical treatment is required, since traditional treatment is ineffective. Anti-infective and anti-inflammatory drugs are prescribed as a supportive treatment that ensures control of the condition. However, this is a temporary measure that only partially delays the development and progression of the tumor.

Reviews

If you analyze the reviews, you can see that positive reviews prevail. Basically, the operation is quick, the postoperative period is short. Pain and swelling disappear within 2-3 days after the operation. Full recovery occurs in 2-3 weeks. As a rule, a man can return to his usual way of life within a month. Only in some cases do complications develop. They mainly develop due to improper observance of the rehabilitation period. Removal of a testicular cyst can be considered a relatively simple procedure.