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03:10
Microscopic Cyst Resection for the Treatment of Patients Diagnosed with Epididymal Cyst
Published on: March 31, 2023
Tarlov cyst and infertility.
Pankaj Kumar Singh1, Vinay Kumar Singh, Amir Azam
1Department of Neurosurgery, Royal Hallamshire Hospital, Sheffield, S10 2JF, UK. we.publish@googlemail.com
The Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine
|July 3, 2009
Summary
Tarlov cysts, fluid-filled sacs near spinal nerves, can cause male infertility due to retrograde ejaculation. Surgical removal may help some patients with this rare condition.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Urology
- Reproductive Medicine
Background:
- Tarlov cysts (TCs), or spinal perineurial cysts, are uncommon lesions often found incidentally.
- This study aimed to explore TCs in the sacral region as a potential cause of retrograde ejaculation and infertility.
- Management options for TCs were reviewed.
Observation:
- A 28-year-old male presented with back pain and infertility due to retrograde ejaculation.
- The patient had large perineurial cysts in the sacral region.
- This is the first reported case linking Tarlov cysts to retrograde ejaculation and infertility.
Findings:
- Microsurgical excision of the TCs resolved the patient's back pain.
- Semen quality showed only marginal improvement post-surgery.
- The patient's partner successfully conceived via intrauterine insemination.
Implications:
- Tarlov cysts, though often asymptomatic, can enlarge over time and present clinical significance.
- Sacral and cauda equina TCs may represent a rare cause of unexplained retrograde ejaculation and infertility.
- Microsurgical excision is a potential treatment option for select patients with TCs causing these symptoms.
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