What is hydrocelectomy surgery?
Hydrocelectomy is surgery to remove a hydrocele. A hydrocele is a fluid-filled sac inside the scrotum.
A male can get a hydrocele on one or both sides of the scrotum. It can happen as a result of several things, such as a trauma to the area, an infection, or another problem inside the scrotum.
You will be asleep during the surgery. The doctor makes a very small cut in your scrotum. This cut is called an incision. Then the doctor drains the fluid and removes the hydrocele sac. The doctor closes the incision with stitches. The stitches don't need to be removed. They will dissolve several weeks after surgery. The incision will leave a very small scar that will fade with time.
Or your doctor may do a laparoscopic surgery. Your doctor does this surgery through a tiny incision in your scrotum using a lighted tube with special tools.
This surgery almost always stops the buildup of fluid in your scrotum.
You may be able to leave the hospital on the same day as the surgery. You will probably be able to go back to work or school in 4 to 7 days. But you will need to avoid hard exercise or heavy lifting for 2 to 4 weeks.
Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor or nurse call line if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.
Surgery can be stressful. This information will help you understand what you can expect. And it will help you safely prepare for surgery.
Where can you learn more?
Go to https://www.healthwise.net/patientEd
Enter U365 in the search box to learn more about "Hydrocelectomy: Before Your Surgery".