Hydrocele is when the testicle forms a sack of fluid around it. When the fluid builds a layer of tissue that covers the testicle, injury and infections to the testicle and surrounding tissue occur. But the real cause is still unknown at times. The larger the Hydrocele gets it can cause more swelling in the scrotum. Hydrocele surgery aims to remove the hydrocele. The hydrocele surgery takes about an hour to perform and cost roughly $700-$2000.Here we will explain the procedure in detail:

What Should You Know Before Taking Hydrocele Surgery?

1. When Is Hydrocele Surgery Needed?

Hydrocele surgery is needed only if you have scrotal heaviness or fullness, which means your scrotum becomes bigger that is abnormal. You doctor will discuss the detail with you to determine if you need the surgery or not.

2. Possible Complications of Hydrocele Surgery

Your doctor will discuss these with you in more detail:

• Hematoma:It is a collection of blood in the scrotum. However, usually it will settle down as the blood is absorbed. But in some cases (less than 1%), the patients need a second operation to let the bruise out.
• Recurrence:The chance is less than 5%.
• Difficulty passing urine/retention:The anesthetic may cause the problem of passing urine difficult. However, if you have such problem after going home, go to the nearest hospital for assessment.
• Infection:This condition is rare, but if you have a fever, you may be infected that should see a doctor at once.
• An allergic reaction to the medication. This condition is also rare. If you can tell the doctor of any previous allergic reaction you have experienced, the chance will be lower.

What Should You Prepare for Hydrocele Surgery?

• Make a list of all your medications you take, including all herbs and supplements. Also record over the counter drugs (Aspirin, Conmadin, and Plavix). You may need to stop taking some or all of them before surgery.
• Do not eat or drink anything within the 8 hours beforethe surgery. This includes, but is not limited to, coffee, water, gum and mints. (If you have been instructed to take medications, take them with only the smallest sip of water.)

What Will Happen on the Day of Hydrocele Surgery?

Hydrocele surgery is done as an outpatient. It will take about 30 minutes. You will likely go home on the same day.

For young children:

• Small cuts in the fold of the groin, and then drain the fluid. The sac is often removed after. Stitches are used to add strength to the muscle wall if needed and is called Hermia repair.
• Often a laparoscope is used to do this procure.

For Adults:

• Cut is made on scrotum on the folds of the groin. Drains the fluid and then remove the sac.

What to Expect After Hydrocele Surgery

After your surgery, you will be taken to a room to recover from the anesthesia. In recovery, the staff will check up on you regularly to make sure that you are progressing appropriately. You may feel sleepy and nauseated. You may use an ice pack if needed in the surgical area to help reduce swelling. Jockstrap or related product will be given for you to wear to add support until your recovered completely. Once you are ready to go home, have an adult family member or friend drive you. After you go home, following post-surgical protocol is very important, which require you to follow the aspects listed below.

1. Activity

During the recovery stage, you can’t get enough sleep to regain your strength. Try to walk each day as much as you can to prevent stiffness. You can shower if the doctor gives the ok to after 24 hours after surgery. Hold off baths and swimming for a week or until approved by the doctor. Please do not do any activities like ride bikes, go jogging, light weights, or aerobic exercises until given the ok. For the first 2-4 weeks after surgery, try to avoid lifting anything that will cause strain. You may return to work or school when you are ready. This is usually in about 4 to 7 days.

2. Diet

You should follow your normal diets while trying to transfer over to low-fat foods (plain rice, broiled chicken, toast and yogurt). Drink plenty of fluids to avoid becoming dehydrated. If your bowel movements changed from regular after surgery, it’s common.But avoid straining or constipations during bowel movements. You may want to take a fiber supplement every day. If you have not had a bowel movement after a couple of days, ask your doctor about taking a mild laxative.

3. Medication

Resume your pre-surgery medication unless told otherwise. Avoid taking aspirins during the first two weeks after surgery. If you are taking Warfrin or Plavix, this should be followed by your primary care provider postoperatively. He will discuss with you when to resume medication and dosing recommendations. You should also be taking a stool softener to keep the stool soft if you are taking pain medication.

4. Incision Care

Wash the area daily with warm, soapy water, and pat it dry. Don't use hydrogen peroxide or alcohol, which can slow healing. You can use gauze to cover the area if it rubs against clothing. Change daily. Strips of tape on the cut (incision) the doctor made must be retained for a week or until it falls off.

Follow-Ups After Hydrocele Surgery

The success rate for the surgery is very high, but you need to have follow-up visits with your doctor to check on your healing.

Call the doctor if you have any of the followings:

• ŸPain in the chest or labored breathing (call 911).
• ŸFever equal to or above 104.0F.
• ŸCommon signs and symptoms at the infection site, such as increased redness or swelling, warmth, worsening pain, or foul-smelling drainage.
• ŸBleeding from the surgical region.
• ŸPain that increases and/or is not controlled by medications.
• ŸElevated pain or swelling at the area surrounding the incision.