Removal of sebaceous cysts from your scrotum - Pennine Acute ...

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Removal of
sebaceous cysts
from your scrotum
An information guide

Removal of sebaceous
cysts from your scrotum
What is a sebaceous cyst?
These are benign cysts (non-cancerous) arising from blocked
sebaceous glands, which lie under the surface of the scrotal skin.
These can become uncomfortable and infected. The operation
involves a small incision in the scrotum, allowing surgical
removal of the cyst. Dissolvable stitches are used to close
the incision. This can be carried out under a local or general
anaesthetic.
What are the alternatives?
You can leave them and not have them operated on but there is
a risk that they will become larger and infected.
What are the benefits?
You will be free from the cyst(s) and any further risk of
infection.
What are the risks?
If this operation is carried out under a general anaesthetic,
there is a small risk of complications to your heart and lungs.
However before the operation you will attend the pre-operative
assessment clinic where tests will be carried out. These results
will ensure that the operation is carried out in the safest way
possible for you.
2

If you have the procedure under local anaesthetic there is no
risk to your heart and lungs and you do not need to attend the
pre-operative assessment clinic.
There is also a small risk of wound infection following the
procedure. The cyst can re-occur elsewhere inside your scrotum.
Before the operation
• you may be asked to attend the pre-operative clinic
• if you are having a general anaesthetic, you will be advised
when to stop eating and drinking before your operation
• if you are taking anti-coagulants (Warfarin, Aspirin or
Sinthrome) please inform the pre-op assessment staff.
What happens on your admission day?
• you will be asked relevant information by the nurse and a
doctor
• you may be seen by an anaesthetist
• your operation will be explained to you and if you have not
already done this, you will be asked to sign a consent form.
3

What happens after your operation?
• you may require oxygen following your operation
• your blood pressure, temperature, pulse and respiration rate
will be recorded by the nurse
• you may experience some pain and discomfort after surgery.
We advise that you keep a supply of painkillers at home
• you should be able to eat and drink normally once the
anaesthetic has worn off
• you will have a sutures in your wound, these are usually
dissolvable and will slowly dissolve after a few days you may
notice the ends fall out once the inside of the suture has
dissolved
• you may have a bath or shower 24 hours after your
operation.
When you are ready to go home
• your doctor and the nurses will discuss with you when they
are happy for you to go home
• you will usually only be in the hospital for a few hours
• you may have been asked to stop taking some medication
before your operation. If so, please ask your hospital doctor
about restarting these
4

• if you require a fit note to cover your hospital stay, please
ask the nurses on the ward. Any further fit notes can be
obtained from your GP
• your consultant may arrange to see you in the outpatient
department, although this is not always necessary
• you can drive once you can perform an emergency stop
without discomfort in the wound. This is generally after a
couple of days
• intercourse may be resumed when you feel comfortable to
do so.
If you are discharged on the day of your operation after having
a general anaesthetic you are advised for the next 24 hours:
• not to return to work
• not to sign any important documents
• not to drive as your insurance will be invalid
• you will need to have a responsible adult to look after
you. They will also need to accompany you home after
your operation. This will be discussed with you at the preoperative
assessment clinic
5

If you experience any of the following you are advised to
contact your GP or telephone the ward for advice:
• high temperature
• fresh bleeding or bruising
• redness or swelling at the operation site
• pus or drainage from the operation site
• prolonged or severe pain.
If you have any further concerns or have problems after your
discharge, contact your GP or telephone the ward for advice.
In an emergency, go to the nearest Accident & Emergency
department.
6

If English is not your first
language and you need help,
please contact the Ethnic Health
Team on 0161 627 8770
Jeżeli angielski nie jest twoim pierwszym językiem i potrzebujesz pomocy proszę skontaktować
się z załogą Ethnic Health pod numerem telefonu 0161 627 8770.
For general enquiries please contact the Patient
Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) on 0161 604 5897
For enquiries regarding clinic appointments, clinical care and
treatment please contact 0161 620 0420 and the Switchboard
Operator will put you through to the correct department / service
Date of publication: November 2006
Date reviewed: June 2012
Date of next review: June 2014
Ref: 0289-PI(SU)
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