Surgery for Hydrocele

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What is Hydrocele Repair?

Plastic repair of hydrocele is the surgical procedure to open and invert the testicular sac because of the fluid collected inside. This can happen in only one hemiscrotum or in both. Thus, a new fluid collection in the scrotum in the future is avoided.

When is it performed?

The hydrocele should be operated only when it causes discomfort in walking and in everyday life or when it becomes unsightly because of its size. In infancy, monitoring is recommended, because it usually disappears by itself within the first 12 months of life.

What preparation is required?

No special preparation is required, except when the man receives anticoagulation treatment. Then, treatment should be discontinued for several days before surgery and, according to the case, your doctor can replace the anticoagulation treatment with abdominal injections. In case of patients with chronic diseases such as diabetes mellitus, arterial hypertension and others, the therapist physician has to make sure that their patient is well controlled prior to surgery.

What happens during the surgery?

The operation is performed under spinal or general anesthesia. The scrotum (testicular sac) is exposed and prepared through an incision of a few centimeters in the hemiscrotum where the hydrocele is located. Then the sac is fully opened and the fluid is aspirated. Reversal of the sac and exposure of the testis follows. The excess sac wall is removed with scissors, and the walls are sutured together behind the testis. The testis is replaced back into the scrotum, and attention is paid not to twist its axis. The average hospital stay is 1 day.

What about after surgery?

Upon discharge from hospital, you will receive specific instructions about:

  • when it is safe to restart your previous anticoagulant treatment
  • when to resume to vigorous physical activity and work
  • what antibiotics to receive postoperatively
  • how to take care of the wound after surgery
  • If there are non-absorbable sutures, they should be removed in seven to ten days after surgery.

What is the impact of the intervention on patient's life?

The majority of patients are not facing any problem after surgery. Complete healing usually occurs in 10-12 days, and full recovery may take two weeks until returning to full activity. A typical office work can be resumed 1-2 days post-surgery. A small rate of patients may present hematoma in the scrotum which, if treated rapidly, is of no consequence to the patient.