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Hydrocelectomy
A. Hydrocelectomy is the removal or repair of a fluid sac surrounding the testicle to prevent further accumulation of fluid (hydrocele).
A. Observation, removal of the fluid with a needle (this usually results in recurrence and hence not recommended).
A. You will usually be admitted on the same day as your surgery. You will normally undergo pre assessment on the day of your clinic or an appointment for pre assessment will be made from clinic, to assess your general fitness and to perform some baseline investigations. After admission, you will be seen by members of the medical team which may include the consultant, junior urology doctors and nurse.
You will be asked not to eat or drink for six hours before surgery and, immediately before the operation, you may be given a pre-medication by the anaesthetist which will make you dry-mouthed and pleasantly sleepy.
Please be sure to inform your urologist in advance of your surgery if you have any of the following:
A. Either a full general anaesthetic (where you will be asleep throughout the procedure) or a spinal anaesthetic (where you are awake but unable to feel anything from the waist down) or a local cord block will be used. Your anaesthetist will explain the pros and cons of each type of anaesthetic to you.
The urologist will make a small incision in the scrotum and drain the fluid from around the testicle. The remaining sac is then stitched up with absorbable sutures. Occasionally, the surgeon may remove the fluid sac completely.
A. You may experience discomfort for a few days after the procedure but painkillers will be given to you to take home. Absorbable stitches are normally used which do not require removal.
The average hospital stay is less than one day.
A. Most procedures have a potential for side effects. You should be reassured that, although all these complications are well recognised, the majority of patients do not suffer any problems after a urological procedure.
Common (greater than one in 10)
• Swelling of the scrotum lasting several days
• Seepage of yellowish fluid from the wound several days after surgery
Occasional (between one in 10 and one in 50)
Rare (less than one in 50)
A. When you leave hospital, you will be given a discharge summary of your admission. This holds important information about your inpatient stay and your operation.
The wound should be kept clean and dry for 24 hours. Thereafter, if a dressing is in place, this can be removed following a shower. Until the area, heals, do not have lengthy baths or showers since this will encourage the stitches to dissolve too quickly and may cause infection.
It is advisable to wear supportive underpants or a scrotal support until the swelling and discomfort have settled.
It will be at least 10 days before healing occurs and you may return to work when you are comfortable enough and your urologist is satisfied with your progress. You should avoid any strenuous exercise or heavy lifting to allow wound healing.
A. If you develop a temperature, increased redness, throbbing or drainage at the site of the operation, please contact your urologist.
A. Give your body a rest during the first week after the procedure. Be careful lifting heavy objects and doing strenuous exercises. Wear loosely fitting and comfortable undergarments.
A. When you have:
A. A follow-up appointment will be scheduled with you prior to discharge from the hospital. This appointment might be necessary for examination of the stitch line.
A. Some lumpiness above or behind the testicle is common following the procedure and is often permanent.