Management of epididymal cysts in childhood

J Pediatr Surg. 2013 Oct;48(10):2153-6. doi: 10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2013.01.058.

Abstract

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.

Keywords: Cysts; Epididymis; Testis.

Publication types

  • Evaluation Study

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Cysts / diagnosis*
  • Cysts / therapy*
  • Epididymis* / diagnostic imaging
  • Epididymis* / surgery
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Genital Diseases, Male / diagnosis*
  • Genital Diseases, Male / therapy*
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Male
  • Physical Examination
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Ultrasonography
  • Watchful Waiting