Management of epididymal cysts in childhood.

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.