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Updated: May 7, 2026

Microscopic Cyst Resection for the Treatment of Patients Diagnosed with Epididymal Cyst
Published on: March 31, 2023
Management of epididymal cysts in childhood
Volkan Erikci1, Münevver Hoşgör, Nail Aksoy
1Department of Pediatric Surgery, Dr. Behcet Uz Children's Hospital, Izmir, Turkey.
Insights
Conservative management of epididymal cysts (EC) in children is often effective, with many cysts resolving naturally. Surgery is reserved for cases with persistent pain or lack of involution.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Urology
- Pediatric Surgery
- Diagnostic Imaging
Background:
- Epididymal cysts (EC) are common in pediatric patients.
- Understanding their clinical presentation and management outcomes is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the clinical presentation of pediatric epididymal cysts.
- To assess the outcomes of different management strategies for EC in children.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 49 pediatric patients diagnosed with EC.
- Diagnosis confirmed via physical examination and ultrasound (US).
Main Results:
- Most common symptoms were scrotal mass (22) and pain (21).
- Complete involution occurred in 14 children (average 11.2 months); 20 showed decreased size.
- Cyst excision was performed in 8 patients due to persistent pain or lack of involution.
Conclusions:
- Conservative management is a practical approach for pediatric epididymal cysts.
- Surgical excision is recommended for intractable scrotal pain or non-involuting cysts.
Background:
A retrospective review was carried out to evaluate the clinical presentation of children with epididymal cysts (EC) and outcome of management at our institution.
Methods:
There were 49 patients with EC in this series. The diagnosis of EC was made by physical examination and confirmed by ultrasound (US).
Results:
The average age at presentation was 10.7 years (2 months-16 years). Scrotal mass (n: 22) and pain (n: 21) were the most frequent symptoms. Seven patients were lost to follow-up. The cysts were solitary in 32 patients and multiple in 10 patients. The mean value of cysts was 6.7 mm (2-20 mm). The cyst localisations were 22 in left, 16 in right, and bilateral in 4 patients. Complete involution of cysts was detected in 14 children. The average involution time was 11.2 months (1-37 months). In 20 cases, a decrease in cyst size was found. Cyst excision was performed in 8 patients with persistent scrotal pain or no cyst involution observed during follow-up.
Conclusion:
Conservative management of epididymal cysts is practical. However, surgical excision is recommended in patients with intractable scrotal pain or if the cyst size does not seem to involute.
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