A spermatocelectomy is a surgical procedure

Surgery

Surgery is an ancient medical specialty that uses operative manual and instrumental techniques on a patient to investigate and/or treat a pathological condition such as disease or injury, or to help improve bodily function or appearance.An act of performing surgery may be called a surgical...

 performed to separate the epididymis

Epididymis

The epididymis is part of the male reproductive system and is present in all male amniotes. It is a narrow, tightly-coiled tube connecting the efferent ducts from the rear of each testicle to its vas deferens. A similar, but probably non-homologous, structure is found in cartilaginous...

 from the spermatocele

Spermatocele

Spermatocele is a retention cyst of a tubule of the rete testis or the head of the epididymis distended with barely watery fluid that contains spermatozoa. Spermatoceles are the most common cystic condition encountered within the scrotum. They vary in size from several millimeters to many...

. The patient is given an anesthetic in the groin and a small incision is made into the scrotum

Scrotum

In some male mammals the scrotum is a dual-chambered protuberance of skin and muscle containing the testicles and divided by a septum. It is an extension of the perineum, and is located between the penis and anus. In humans and some other mammals, the base of the scrotum becomes covered with curly...

. The surgeon pulls the testicle and epididymis to the incision and separates the spermatocele by tying it off with a suture. The scrotum is closed without sutures.

Spermatoceles

The male reproductive tract is responsible for the production, maturation and delivery of sperm. Sperm are produced in the testicles and then are transported via a complex and highly integrated entity through the epididymis and vas deferens. Sperm travel through the vas deferens up through the groin and then in the deep pelvis before they enter the ejaculatory duct and then are released through the penis and out of the urethra during ejaculation. Each component of the reproductive tract is highly specialized.

Abnormalities within the male reproductive tract may appear as scrotal masses. Masses may be of little significance or may represent life-threatening illnesses. It is necessary to follow a set course of action to determine the nature of the masses and the most appropriate treatment option. For example, testicular cancer is a source of great concern and uniformly requires prompt intervention. Other masses, such as varicoceles, can cause pain or impair reproductive function. Spermatoceles are benign and generally painless masses that extend near the testicle. Thus, it is important for a patient to seek prompt medical attention when he identifies a scrotal mass or abnormality while performing testicular self examination. The following information will assist you when talking to a urologist about spermatoceles.