An overview of the management of post-vasectomy pain syndrome

Asian J Androl. 2016 May-Jun;18(3):332-7. doi: 10.4103/1008-682X.175090.

Abstract

Post-vasectomy pain syndrome remains one of the more challenging urological problems to manage. This can be a frustrating process for both the patient and clinician as there is no well-recognized diagnostic regimen or reliable effective treatment. Many of these patients will end up seeing physicians across many disciplines, further frustrating them. The etiology of post-vasectomy pain syndrome is not clearly delineated. Postulations include damage to the scrotal and spermatic cord nerve structures via inflammatory effects of the immune system, back pressure effects in the obstructed vas and epididymis, vascular stasis, nerve impingement, or perineural fibrosis. Post-vasectomy pain syndrome is defined as at least 3 months of chronic or intermittent scrotal content pain. This article reviews the current understanding of post-vasectomy pain syndrome, theories behind its pathophysiology, evaluation pathways, and treatment options.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anesthetics, Local
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / therapeutic use*
  • Anticonvulsants / therapeutic use*
  • Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic / therapeutic use*
  • Chronic Pain / physiopathology
  • Chronic Pain / therapy*
  • Denervation
  • Disease Management
  • Epididymis / surgery
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Microsurgery
  • Orchiectomy
  • Pain, Postoperative / physiopathology
  • Pain, Postoperative / therapy*
  • Pelvic Floor
  • Physical Therapy Modalities*
  • Spermatic Cord / innervation
  • Testicular Diseases / physiopathology
  • Testicular Diseases / therapy*
  • Vasectomy*
  • Vasovasostomy

Substances

  • Anesthetics, Local
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal
  • Anticonvulsants
  • Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic