MyHealth.Alberta.ca Network

Hydrocelectomy: Before Your Surgery

Normal testicle and testicles with hydroceles

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.

How do you prepare for surgery?

Surgery can be stressful. This information will help you understand what you can expect. And it will help you safely prepare for surgery.

Preparing for surgery

Be sure you have someone to take you home. Anesthesia and pain medicine will make it unsafe for you to drive or get home on your own.
Understand exactly what surgery is planned, along with the risks, benefits, and other options.
If you take aspirin or some other blood thinner, ask your doctor if you should stop taking it before your surgery. Make sure that you understand exactly what your doctor wants you to do. These medicines increase the risk of bleeding.
Tell your doctor ALL the medicines and natural health products you take. Some may increase the risk of problems during your surgery. Your doctor will tell you if you should stop taking any of them before the surgery and how soon to do it.
Make sure your doctor and the hospital have a copy of your advance care plan. If you don't have one, you may want to prepare one. It lets others know your health care wishes. It's a good thing to have before any type of surgery or procedure.

Surgery can be stressful. This information will help you understand what you can expect. And it will help you safely prepare for surgery.

What happens on the day of surgery?

Follow the instructions exactly about when to stop eating and drinking. If you don't, your surgery may be cancelled. If your doctor told you to take your medicines on the day of surgery, take them with only a sip of water.
Take a bath or shower before you come in for your surgery. Do not apply lotions, cologne, or deodorants.
Do not shave the surgical site yourself.
Take off all jewellery and piercings. And take out contact lenses, if you wear them.

At the hospital or surgery centre

Bring a picture ID.
The area for surgery is often marked to make sure there are no errors.
You will be kept comfortable and safe by your anesthesia provider. You will be asleep during the surgery.
The surgery will take about 1 hour.

When should you call your doctor?

You have questions or concerns.
You don't understand how to prepare for your surgery.
You become ill before the surgery (such as fever, flu, or a cold).
You need to reschedule or have changed your mind about having the 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".

Care instructions adapted under license by your healthcare professional. If you have questions about a medical condition or this instruction, always ask your healthcare professional. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information.