Changes in the epididymis after vasectomy: sonographic findings

Abstract

Scrotal sonograms were obtained in 31 men before vasectomy and at 2 and 12 months after vasectomy to determine the effect of the surgery on the sonographic appearance of the testis and epididymis. The sonographic appearance of the testis was unchanged after vasectomy. However, in 14 men (45%), there were persistent changes in the epididymis. These consisted of enlargement (14 patients), development of cysts (11 patients), and an inhomogeneous echo pattern (five patients). The presence of these sonographic changes was unrelated to symptoms. The history of vasectomy in men referred for scrotal sonography should be noted so that the altered sonographic appearance of the epididymis may be interpreted properly.

PIP: Scrotal sonograms were obtained in 31 men before vasectomy and at 2 and 12 months after vasectomy to determine the effect of surgery on the sonographic appearance of the testis and epididymis. The sonographic appearance of the testis was unchanged after vasectomy. However, in 14 men (45%), there were persistent changes in the epididymis. These consisted of enlargement (14 patients), development of cysts (11 patients), and an inhomogeneous echo pattern (5 patients). The presence of these sonographic changes was unrelated to symptoms. The history of vasectomy in men referred for scrotal sonography should be noted so that the altered sonographic appearance of the epididymis may be interpreted properly.