DR. VIVEK VENKAT

A hydrocele is a collection of fluid around the testicle. It is quite common. It can affect newborn children (congenital hydrocele) as well as adults. In adults it can be a result of infection (filariasis), inflammation or testicular tumors .

• Patient preference for surgery due to the size.
• Large hydrocele with discomfort or difficulty in daily activities.
• Secondary infection or bleeding in the hydrocele.
• Suspicion of testicular tumor.

How do you prepare for a hydrocele surgery?

• Your doctor will recommend an ultrasound of the scrotum to assess for any testicular tumor or complications of the hydrocele. It also helps to rule out hernia.
• The doctor may recommend certain blood tests to assess the bleeding risk.
• A urine sample may be needed to look for infection.
• Medicines which increase the risk of bleeding need to be stopped for 5-7 days prior to the biopsy.

How is a hydrocele surgery performed?

• Hydrocele is a day care procedure (or 1 day admission) performed under local or spinal anesthesia in most cases.
• You will be in the operating room and awake throughout the procedure. If you wisk you may ask for a general anesthetic.
• An incision is made over the affected scrotum and the hydrocele is drained and the surrounding sac is excised and plicated.
• You will be aware of the entire procedure going on, however there is no pain.
• The entire procedure takes 30-45 minutes.
• A tight compression dressing is applied around the scrotum.
• You will be observed in the recovery room to make sure there is no bleeding.
• You will be allowed to go home once you have passed urine.

What to expect after the procedure?

• You will be prescribed some antibiotics and painkillers for the next 2-3 days.
• Avoid strenuous activity.
• You may need to wear a tight underwear or scrotal supporter for 2-3 weeks after the procedure.
• Your doctor will call you for a follow-up after 2-3 days to assess the wound and do a dressing.
• Please contact your doctor if you develop fever, inability to pass urine, bleeding or worsening pain.

• Is surgery painful? You will be aware of the procedure but pain should be minimal.
• Infection – The surgical area can rarely get infected. Precautions, including giving you antibiotics before and after the procedure, are taken in order to minimize this risk. Most infections are mild.
• Bleeding into the scrotum can occur causing a collection or hematoma. This may need drainage if very large or infected.
• Some patients (especially elderly, diabetic men) have difficulty passing urine following surgery and may need a catheter temporarily.