TO PRO VIDE THE V ION E RY B E CC A S O Y R E ST C ARE FOR E ACH PAT I E N T O N E V Excision of epididymal cyst An information guide Excision of epididymal cyst What is an epididymal cyst? An epididymal cyst is a benign (non-cancerous) cyst that develops above or behind the testicle. Surgical removal is generally advised if they cause pain, discomfort or increase in size. The operation involves a small incision in the scrotum, to remove the cyst, with or without part of the epididymis. The incision is then closed using dissolvable stitches. This is usually carried out under a general anaesthetic. What are the alternatives? You can leave them alone and not have the cysts operated on. However, by doing this there is a risk that they will become larger and infected. What are the benefits? That you will be free from the cysts and further risk of infection. What are the risks? If this operation is carried out under general anaesthetic there is a very small risk of complications to your heart and lungs. However before the operation you will attend the pre-operative assessment clinic where tests will be carried out. These results will ensure that the operation is carried out in the safest way possible for you. If you have the procedure under local anaesthetic there is no risk to your heart and lungs and you do not need to attend the pre- 2 operative assessment clinic. If you have a local anaesthetic you may experience some discomfort during the operation. There is also a small risk of wound infection following the procedure. There is also a risk of the cysts re-growing after their removal. Before the operation • you may be asked to attend the Pre-operative clinic • you will be advised when to stop eating and drinking before your operation, if you are having a general anaesthetic • if you are taking anti-coagulants (Warfarin, Aspirin or Sinthrome) please inform the pre-op assessment staff or your surgeon. What happens on your admission day? • you will be asked relevant information by the nurse and a doctor • you may be seen by an anaesthetist • your operation will be explained to you and if you’ve not already done so, you will be asked to sign a consent form. What happens after your operation? • you may require oxygen following your operation • your blood pressure, temperature, pulse and respiration rate may be recorded by the nurse • you may experience some pain and discomfort after surgery. Pain relief will be provided by the nurses 3 • you should be able to eat and drink normally once the anaesthetic has worn off • you will have sutures in your wound. These usually dissolve after a few days. You may notice the ends fall out once the inside of the suture has dissolved • you may have a bath or shower 24 hours after your operation. When you are ready to go home • your doctor and nurses will discuss with you when they are happy for you to go home • you will usually only be in the hospital for a few hours • you may have been asked to stop taking some medication before your operation. If so, please ask your hospital doctor about restarting these • if you require a fit note to cover your hospital stay, please ask the nurses on the ward. Any further fit notes can be obtained from your GP • your consultant may arrange to see you in the outpatient department although it is not always necessary to see you again after your operation and you are discharged to your GP • you can drive once you can perform an emergency stop without discomfort in the wound. This is generally after a couple of days • intercourse may be resumed when you feel comfortable to do so • you should avoid any strenuous lifting for approximately four weeks. If you are discharged on the day of your operation after having a general anaesthetic you are advised for the next 24 hours; • not to return to work • not to sign any important documents • not to drive as your insurance will be invalid 4 • you will need to have a responsible adult to look after you. They will also need to accompany you home after your operation. This will be discussed with you at the preoperative assessment clinic. If you experience any of the following you are advised to contact your GP or telephone the ward for advice: • high temperature • fresh bleeding or bruising • redness or swelling at the operation site • pus or drainage from the operation site • prolonged or severe pain. If you have any further concerns or have problems after your discharge, contact your GP or telephone the ward for advice. In an emergency, go to the nearest Accident & Emergency department. 5 6 7 If English is not your frst language and you need help, please contact the Ethnic Health Team on 0161 627 8770 Jeżeli angielski nie jest twoim pierwszym językiem i potrzebujesz pomocy proszę skontaktować się z załogą Ethnic Health pod numerem telefonu 0161 627 8770 For general enquiries please contact the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) on 0161 604 5897 For enquiries regarding clinic appointments, clinical care and treatment please contact 0161 624 0420 and the Switchboard Operator will put you through to the correct department / service Date of publication: November 2006 Date of review: February 2014 Date of next review: February 2017 Ref: PI_SU_286 © The Pennine Acute Hospitals NHS Trust Wood pulp sourced from sustainable forests www.pat.nhs.uk