HYDROCELECTOMY

General Information

DEFINITION--Removal of a hydrocele, fluid that has collected in a small sac usually on the testicle or in the membrane covering the testicle. Hydroceles frequently occur in infants, but may also occur in adults.

BODY PARTS INVOLVED--Scrotum; spermatic cord; membrane covering the testicle (tunica vaginalis); blood vessels and nerves connected to the scrotum.

REASONS FOR SURGERY

• In infants: completion of the repair of a congenital inguinal hernia, which frequently accompanies a congenital hydrocele.
• In adults: removal of an uncomfortable and unsightly scrotal cyst that may conceal a tumor in the testicle.

SURGICAL RISK INCREASES WITH

• Obesity.
• Chronic or recent illness.

What To Expect

WHO OPERATES--General surgeon or urologist.

WHERE PERFORMED--Hospital or outpatient surgical facility.

DIAGNOSTIC TESTS

• Before surgery: Blood and urine studies.
• After surgery: Usually none.

ANESTHESIA

• General anesthesia by injection and inhalation with an airway tube placed in the windpipe in infants.
• Local anesthesia by injection.
• Spinal anesthesia by injection (sometimes) in older children and adults.

DESCRIPTION OF OPERATION

• An incision is made in the scrotum over the testicle.
• The hydrocele is located and cut free from the scrotal contents.
• The hydrocele is incised, and the fluid inside it is drained. The skin edges of the hydrocele are tucked under and sewn together to prevent refilling.
• The scrotal contents are replaced. The skin is closed with fine suture material that will be absorbed by the body.

POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS

• Excessive bleeding.
• Surgical-wound infection.
• Damaged blood supply to the testicle.
• Twisting of the testicle.
• Recurrent hydrocele.

AVERAGE HOSPITAL STAY--1 to 2 days.

PROBABLE OUTCOME--Expect complete healing without complications. Allow about 2 weeks for recovery from surgery.

Postoperative Care

GENERAL MEASURES

• A hard ridge should form along the incision. As it heals, the ridge will recede gradually.
• Use an electric heating pad, a heat lamp or a warm compress to relieve incisional pain.
• Bathe and shower as usual. You may wash the incision gently with mild unscented soap.
• Children and adults should wear an athletic supporter for 3 to 6 weeks after surgery. Infants should wear double diapers.

† You may use non--prescription drugs, such as acetaminophen, for minor pain.

ACTIVITY

• Avoid vigorous exercise for 6 weeks after surgery.
• Resume driving 1 week after returning home.
• Resume sexual relations when your doctor determines that healing is complete.

DIET--Clear liquid diet until the gastrointestinal tract begins to function again. Then eat a well--balanced diet to promote healing.

Call Your Doctor If

† Pain, swelling, redness, drainage or bleeding increases in the surgical area.

• You develop signs of infection: headache, muscle aches, dizziness or a general ill feeling and fever.
• You experience nausea or vomiting.