Analysis of human epididymal cysts collected by puncture

Epididymal cysts fluids were collected after oscheotomy from 13 adults. 18 cysts were analyzed because 5 patients had bilateral cyst. They were genera lly found in the head of the epididymis, The volume of the cysts was variab le (0.6 to 70 mi) and the pH was slightly acid. The number of spermatozoa w as between 0.06 to 94 millions/ml, and none were found in two cysts. In ail cases the vitality of spermatozoa was greater than 40%, The motility was a lways very weak, and in two cases all spermatozoa were immobile, The morpho logy was generally normal except for one case. The biochemical analysis rev ealed variable contents of cholesterol and phospholipids, absence of fructo se, and trace amounts of citric acid and acid phosphatase. The level of epi didymal markers were also very low. Spermatozoa found in most of the cysts suggest that these cysts may originate from mesonephrotic ducts. Considerin g the quality of the spermatozoa studied, they could be used for an ICSI pr ocedure.