What is a Hydrocelectomy?
A hydrocelectomy is a surgery for treatment of a hydrocele. A hydrocele is a benign collection of fluid surrounding a testicle. Hydroceles can happen after injury, infection, inflammation, or may occur without any clear source. Hydroceles are not dangerous, but they can cause significant discomfort if they grow large.
Why might I need a Hydrocelectomy?
If you have a hydrocele that is causing discomfort and has been present for several months, you can consider a hydrocelectomy. Men with larger hydroceles or men who engage in physical labor are more likely to be bothered by hydroceles. Hydrocelectomy procedures are highly effective at treating hydroceles.
Preparing for your Hydrocelectomy:
In general, preparation for a hydrocelectomy will involve the following steps:
- You will have bloodwork and other testing done at the hospital
- The hospital will call you to confirm arrival time and instructions
- You will be asked if you have allergies to medications, anesthesia, or latex.
- You should inform your doctor of any medications, vitamins, or supplements that you are taking.
- You should refrain from taking anti-inflammatories or blood-thinning medications a week prior to the procedure. Any blood thinning medications will be discussed with you and your doctors
- It is also important to inform your doctor if you are pregnant or might be pregnant, diabetic, asthmatic, or have any other medical conditions.
- You may be asked to refrain from eating 8 hours prior to your scheduled arrival time and drinking 2 hours prior to your arrival time.
- You should remove all metal objects and accessories such as eyeglasses, jewelry, watch, etc. as they can interfere with the imaging technique used.
- You should arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure.
What happens during a Hydrocelectomy?
This is a surgical procedure that is performed under general or spinal anesthesia. Your anesthesiologist will discuss with you the best type of anesthesia for you. In general, the surgery occurs in several steps:
- You will receive anesthesia and go to sleep
- Your genitals will be cleaned with a special solution
- An incision will be made on the scrotum and the testicle brought to the surface
- The hydrocele sac will be opened, and the fluid drained
- The excess tissue of the hydrocele sac will be removed
- The remainder of the tissue will be sutured in a way to prevent fluid from re-accumulating
- The testicle is replaced in the scrotum and your skin is closed
- You wake up in the recovery room.
What can I expect after my Hydrocelectomy?
It is normal to have significant swelling after a hydrocelectomy. The tissues of the scrotum are very prone to accumulating fluid after any surgery and many men complain the initial swelling is as bad as the hydrocele. This improves within a few weeks of the surgery. Wearing a scrotal support (similar to a jock strap) can help with discomfort in this period. It is normal to have some pain after the procedure, you will be prescribed medication to help with this.
You should avoid heavy activity until the swelling of your scrotum is gone.
You should not let your scrotum get wet for at least 48 hours after your procedure.
Full healing is expected by 6 weeks.
What are the risks of a Hydrocelectomy?
A hydrocelectomy is a surgery and all surgeries have risk. Hydrocelectomy is generally a low-risk surgery, but it does have the risk of local infection, bleeding, potentially causing a blood collection called a hematoma, and pain.
There is a very small chance of hydrocele recurrence in the future.