Microsurgery may be the Ideal Solution for Chronic Testicular Pain

Testicular pain can be alarming even in its most temporary state. However, for the guy whose scrotal area aches or suffers bouts of intense pain, the state of the testicles may be a significant concern. There is a tendency for men to immediately worry that testicular pain indicates cancer. The truth is, pain in this area is more likely to result from other conditions affecting either the testicles themselves or the spermatic cord that travels through them.

Testicular and spermatic cord pain may relate to:

• Infection
• Trauma
• Neurologic disease

Testicular and scrotal pain may relate to:

• Previous vasectomy
• Previous surgery on a testicle
• History or orchitis or epididymitis

Treatment for what appears to be testicular pain can only be developed with data from a thorough examination and health history. Your urologist will conduct an evaluation and relevant tests to discern if your pain is central or local. Sometimes, when pain has existed for an extended period of time, it is only the brain that senses basic stimulation in the affected area as painful.

One way that your doctor may determine the direct source of pain is to inject a small amount of steroid and anesthetic into the spermatic cord. If pain is relieved through this simple test, it is clear that the spermatic cord itself is where treatment must focus. In some cases, the solution for spermatic cord pain is microsurgical denervation.

Microscopic denervation is performed through a small incision in the groin. The lymphatic vessels, vas deferens, nerves, and arteries in the spermatic cord are carefully isolated to preserve necessary structure if there is an interest in maintaining fertility. As necessary, remaining structures are divided to reduce nerve pain. Then, the lymphatics and artery are “rebuilt” in proper anatomic position. The incision is typically closed with dissolvable sutures. This is usually an outpatient procedure.

Results of Microscopic Denervation

Clinical practice suggests that more than 90 percent of men treated with microscopic denervation experience significant improvement in terms of comfort. The success rate of this surgical technique indicates that patients with chronic testicular pain have hope for a better quality of life.

Learn more about testicular pain causes and treatment options. Call our Chattanooga office at (423) 778-4MEN (4636).