Percutaneous sclerotherapy

In some cases, when the epididymal cyst continues to grow back after aspiration, the doctor may recommend surgery. A less invasive procedure called percutaneous sclerotherapy is another option if you can't have surgery or don't want it. This is an outpatient procedure. The surgeon uses ultrasound to help insert a catheter (tube) into the cyst. Contrast dye is injected through the catheter into the cyst. This allows the doctor to see the cyst more clearly. It also helps them see if the cyst is leaking or affecting other parts of the testicle. A fluid (usually ethanol, which helps kill cells in the cyst) is injected through a catheter into the cyst for about 20 minutes. You may be moved to a different position to make sure the fluid covers the entire cyst. The liquid is then sucked out. After the procedure, you will usually have a follow-up visit a few months later. If the epididymal cyst doesn't shrink or goes away, your doctor may recommend a second sclerotherapy procedure.