Urology » Hydrocelectomy

Hydrocelectomy

Summary

Hydrocelectomy or hydrocele repair is a procedure that is done to repair scrotum swelling caused by a hydrocele. A hydrocele is a backup of fluid into one or both testicles. This can occur at birth or later in life when a hernia is present.

Hydrocelectomy may be performed if:

     •          Hydrocele interrupts blood flow to the area

     •          Hernia is present

     •          Hydrocele is rather large

Length of the procedure:  1 hour

Hospital Stay:  Generally hydrocelectomy is an outpatient procedure.

Recovery before traveling home:  Patients seeking a hydrocelectomy through medical tourism can return home within 48 hours in most cases.

Travel Tip:  Although this an outpatient procedure, pain and discomfort may be present after you are released from care. Most doctors would recommend that you wait 1 or 2 days before traveling home.

Procedure Details

Your surgery will begin with the administration of general anesthesia. The area will be prepped with an antiseptic liquid. The surgeon will then make a small incision in the scrotum. In infants and children the incision is usually made in the fold of the groin.

The surgeon will remove all or part of the hydrocele sac. They will drain the fluid build up in the area. The surgeon may also strengthen the muscle wall by adding a few small absorbable stitches. The entry incision is closed with a few small absorbable sutures.

After the Procedure

After the procedure you will be taken to recovery. Generally, most patients are released from care as soon as they recover from the anesthesia. However, rest is strongly advised for the first few days following the surgery.

Self care after hydrocelectomy:

         •            Pain medication as prescribed

                •               Wear supportive underwear, avoid boxers

                •               Careful walking, climbing stairs for 4 to 7 days

                •               Avoid heavy lifting and sexual activity

                •               High diet to avoid constipation and straining

                •               No driving for 24 hours

                •               Swelling may be present for 4 to 6 months

 

Results

In general hydrocelectomy is a very successful procedure. Long-term most patients do very well. However, some may require repeat hydrocele repair from time to time, especially if a hernia develops.

Risks and Complications

As is with any surgery there are risks associated with hydrocelectomy. The following is a list of the most common risks and complications:

      •          Blood clots

     •          Breathing problems

     •          Reaction to anesthesia or medication

     •          Infection

     •          Blood loss

     •          Reoccurring Hydrocele

     •          Swelling

     •          Pain

     •          Tissue damage of scrotum

     •          Fibrosis

     •          Structural damage to scrotum

 Contact your physician if any of the following occur:

   •     Incision becomes painful

     •          Incision or surrounding area becomes red

     •          Incision becomes swollen

     •          Drainage from incision is bloody, yellow, green or foul smelling

     •          Fever above 101 degrees develops

     •          Chills

     •          Cannot urinate

     •          Pain is uncontrolled by medication