Hydrocele Surgery: Procedure, Recovery Time & Complications

What is Hydrocele?

Hydrocele surgery or the surgical treatment to remove a hydrocele is known as Hydrocelectomy. The surgery involves making a small cut or incision in the scrotum and draining the accumulated fluid from the hydrocele sac.

A hydrocele is a ‘sac' of fluid that grows around a testicle. The fluid accumulates in the thin sheath surrounding the testicle and causes swelling. This condition is common in newborns and usually vanishes by the time the child is one year old. In adults, hydrocele occurs as a result of an injury or inflammation within the scrotum.

This condition is painless and often disappears on its own. However, it affects each individual differently. Hydrocele is divided into types based on how it develops in the body:

Non-communicating Hydrocele: This type of hydrocele occurs when fluid is trapped in the scrotum after the sac and canal is sealed up. This happens because the body refuses to absorb the fluid. In this type of hydrocele, the body takes about a year to absorb the remaining fluid.

Communicating Hydrocele: It occurs when the sac doesn't close completely. This causes the fluid to flow in and out. It causes more swelling with time.

Most men refrain from talking about hydrocele, let alone seeking treatment. However, any man who notices scrotal swelling must immediately see a doctor, as untreated hydrocele can also lead to some serious hydrocele surgery complications.

When Is Hydrocele Surgery Required?

In most cases, hydrocele does not require medical intervention. It's mostly harmless and does not cause discomfort. However, in some cases, getting treatment becomes requisite. Experts suggest seeing a doctor if scrotal swelling increases and accompanies other discomforts. This can indicate an underlying condition, such as an infection, tumor, or an inguinal hernia. This condition can also hint toward Testicular Torsion i.e., a condition in which the testicles become twisted due to an accident or injury.

If you notice increased swelling in the hydrocele, which refuses to subside even after a year, or suspect testicular torsion, immediately get in touch with your healthcare provider.

Surgery For Hydrocele

Diagnosis

The condition of hydrocele is diagnosed and treated by a urologist or a general surgeon. Before suggesting surgery, the surgeon will perform some diagnostic tests to determine the graveness of the condition. The doctor will initially perform a physical exam to check for swelling in your scrotum. He/she will also look for tenderness by a process called transillumination. The process allows the doctor to check for signs of fluid in the scrotum. The doctor will also check your abdomen by applying pressure, chiefly to rule out the presence of an inguinal hernia. Once the physical examination is complete, the doctor might suggest some other tests, including:

1. Blood Tests: You will be required to go for a blood test in order to determine your complete blood count. Blood test helps in detecting possible infections such as epididymitis.
2. Urine test: To ascertain the cause of the hydrocele and determine if there is an underlying infection, you will be required to go for a urine test.
3. Ultrasound: The doctor may ask you to go for an ultrasound to rule out possible complications like hernias, tumors, or any other cause of scrotal swelling.

Self-Diagnosis

A Hydrocele can also be diagnosed at home. It is painless but also causes a visible swelling in one or both testicles. Adult men diagnosed with a hydrocele may experience discomfort from the heaviness of a swollen scrotum. If the hydrocele continues to grow in size due to the fluid build-up, it may gradually increase the pain. However, it would be best for you to consult a doctor as the symptoms might also be the cause of the condition of an inguinal hernia.

Procedure of Open Hydrocelectomy

Open Hydroelectomy is performed under general anesthesia. This is the old and traditional method of hydrocele repair. In this procedure, the surgeon makes an incision in the scrotum or groin area and drains out the fluid via suction. The surgeon then seals the communication to the canal between the abdominal cavity and the scrotum, before removing the hydrocele sac and closing the incisions with sutures or surgical strips.

What To Expect During The Surgery?

Here's what you can expect during your Hydrocoele surgery:

• Before the surgery, the surgeon will administer general anesthesia. This will help in preventing pain and discomfort during the surgery.

• The surgeon will then make a small cut or incision in the scrotum.
• The collected fluid is then drained out of the hydrocele and then the tissue that forms around the hydrocele is removed or repositioned.

• A thin tube may be placed in the incision for draining out the fluid. Once the fluid is drained out, the tube is removed.

• Once the procedure is complete, the incision is sealed with stitches or sutures.

How To Prepare For Hydrocele Surgery?

Being prepared for surgery in advance lets you have a smooth sail and even calms you down. So, here's how you can prepare for your Hydrocele surgery:

• Discuss your medical history, allergies, and other vital details with the surgeon before the surgery. Additionally, get all your questions answered, as it will help you stay calm during the surgery.

• Refrain from eating or drinking for at least 8 hours before the surgery.

• If you're taking any medicines, inform the surgeon in advance. He/she will guide you on which medicines to take and what to avoid. Also, avoid taking over-the-counter medicines before the surgery, as they may cause complications during the procedure.

• Prepare yourself for the pre-operative medical evaluations such as, blood tests, urine tests, and more that might be required for the surgery.

• Take a shower before the surgery, as you'll be asked to keep the surgical area dry after the surgery. Keeping the area absolutely dry is important to reduce the risk of developing infections after the surgery.

• Also, since this surgery will be performed under anesthesia, discuss the possibility of developing an allergic reaction to it.

What to expect after hydrocele surgery?

Here's what you can expect after the surgery:

• The doctors will keep you under observation until the reaction to the anesthesia subsides.
• Once the effect has faded and you're fully awake, the hospital staff will shift you to a ward where the doctors and nurses will monitor your conditions and ensure you're at complete ease.
• You'll get an ice pack to manage the swelling in the surgical area.
• Finally, the doctors will evaluate your overall health before discharging you from the hospital.

What Are Some Hydrocele After Surgery Care Tips?

The success of surgery also depends upon how well you take care of yourself afterward. So, on that note, here are some precautionary measures that will reduce your hydrocele surgery recovery time, and help you avoid potential hydrocele surgery complications.

1. Avoid overexerting yourself: While you're still in the hydrocele surgery recovery phase, make sure you rest a little more and work a little less. Avoid overexerting yourself. It will help your body recover more quickly. Indulging in activities that can cause exertion will hamper your recovery, and may also lead to complications.
2. Don't lift heavy-weight items: Refrain from lifting heavy weights (more than 10 pounds), and heavy items such as grocery bags, etc, for at least 2 to 4 weeks after the surgery. Doing so can cause scarring, and can also cause significant pain and discomfort.
3. Eat Healthy, Stay Healthy: Eating healthy helps you remain fit inside out. Restrict yourself to eating healthy, which means avoiding anything heavy and greasy. Eating anything unhealthy will affect your bowel movement and in turn, your overall health. Include fiber-rich foods in your diet, and manage your portion size.
4. Keep Yourself Hydrated: Dehydration can hamper the healing process, thereby slowing down your recovery. So, make sure that you drink ample fluids- water, and juices, at regular intervals, and keep yourself hydrated.
5. Take A Break From Tight Fitting Clothes: Wearing tight clothes after the surgery can irritate your groin and scrotal area. Therefore, wear loose-fitting and comfortable clothes for a couple of days after the surgery.
6. Wear Scrotal Support: A scrotal support helps in reducing the pressure in the scrotal region and lets you perform daily activities comfortably. You can wear scrotal supports or jockstraps for about one or two weeks after the surgery.
7. Avoid Having Sex: Your surgeon will ask you to avoid indulging in any sexual activity for two to three weeks after the surgery.

What is the recovery rate of Hydrocele surgery?

Hydrocelectomy is a highly effective treatment and hydrocele surgery risks and complications are quite low. The procedure causes no discomfort as such, and the patients can go back to performing their day-to-day tasks within a week of the surgery. However, the doctor will ask you to take some precautions that will ensure a quick recovery.

Is Hydrocele Surgery Covered Under Insurance?

Like most surgeries, Hydrocele Surgery is also covered under insurance. To learn more about the surgery, claim procedure, etc, get in touch with our team right away. Our insurance experts will resolve all your queries and assist you in the claim process.

Why Should You Choose Pristyn Care For Hydrocele Surgery?

At Pristyn Care, we make treatment available for all by offering cost-effective hydrocele surgery. We aim to make quality surgical procedures accessible by minimizing medical expenses and ensuring high quality standards. Some additional benefits of choosing Pristyn Care for your surgery include:

• No Cost EMI
• Enjoy several no-cost EMI plans, and stop worrying about hefty medical bills.
• Free Doctor's Consultation
• Get in touch with our care coordinators, who will schedule your free appointment with our experienced vascular surgeons.
• Free Transportation
• We have free pick-up and drop-off services in place to help patients commute with ease.
• Free Follow-up Consultation
• You will get a free follow-up consultation with the doctor to track your recovery progress.

Book your appointment for cost-effective and safe hydrocele surgery by filling out the form or getting in touch with your care coordinator on the below-mentioned contact number.