[Diagnosis and treatment of seminal vesicle cyst]

To deepen the understanding of patients with seminal vesicle cyst to facilitate its correct diagnosis and treatment.

Five patients with seminal vesicle cysts were treated during January 1996 to May 2010. Their symptoms, diagnostic results, treatments and outcomes were analyzed retrospectively. Their mean age at diagnosis was 35 years old (range: 20 - 45). The symptoms included hematospermia (n = 3), urinary frequency (n = 3), perineal malaise (n = 4), infertility (n = 3), post-ejaculation pain (n = 3), scrotal pain (n = 3) and dysuria (n = 1). Cyst was palpable on digital rectal examination in 4 patients. All underwent intravenous urography and cystoscopy. Others received the examinations of ultrasonography, computed tomography (CT) scanning, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and vaso-vesiculography. The size range of masses was from 3.8 cm × 3.0 cm × 2.6 cm-9.6 cm × 5.2 cm × 5.0 cm. Final open operations consisted of vesiculectomy (n = 2) and laparoscopic excision of seminal vesical cyst (n = 3).

The post-operative course was uneventful except in 1 patient with damaged ureters. All patients stayed symptom-free after open surgery.

Seminal vesicle cysts are rare but should be considered in males with hematospermia and otherwise inexplicable bladder irritation symptoms, perineal discomforts or other genitourinary complaints of unknown etiology. The diagnostic modalities consist of digital rectal examination, transrectal and abdominal ultrasonography, CT scan or MRI. Laparoscopic excision offers excellent outcomes.