What is a Hydrocele? There is little point in merely aspirating Liberal use of local anaesthetic will or withdrawing the fluid as the help to reduce pain after the It is a fluid filled sack along the hydrocele usually recurs. operation. spermatic cord within the scrotum. Hydroceles can occur on one or both The Hydrocele repair operation Any stitches will dissolve after 2 to 3 sides. weeks and should not need removal. Hydrocele repair surgery is a simple In children, fluid drains incorrectly procedure and the success rate is Risks of the operation through the open tract from the very high. The outcome is usually abdomen into the scrotum where it satisfactory. There is a slight risk of breathing becomes trapped causing problems and medication reactions in enlargement of the scrotum. This minor surgery is done as a day anaesthesia. Possible complications case using general or local of surgery include haematoma (blood Sometimes, and more commonly in anaesthesia with prompt recovery clot formation), infection or injury to older men, inflammation or trauma of expected. The procedure only rarely the scrotal tissue or structures. There the testis or epidymis can cause a requires a scrotal drainage tube or a is a small risk of recurrence. hydrocele. Occasionally, a hydrocele large bulky dressing to the scrotal may be associated with an inguinal area. At home hernia. Many occur for no obvious reason. How is it done? You will feel a little tired for a few days. Any local discomfort can be A hydrocele results in a painless, You will be anaesthetised and pain helped by your usual pain killers i.e. swollen scrotum, on one or both sides, free. paracetamol. Heavy lifting and that feels like a water-filled balloon. exercise should be avoided for 10 – In children, an incision is made just 14 days after the surgery. Stitches Diagnosis is confirmed by above the groin. The open should dissolve naturally after 2 to 3 examination, ultrasound or by communication between the weeks. transillumination (using light). abdominal cavity and scrotum will then be repaired, the fluid is removed from Do not drive or operate machinery nor How is it treated? the scrotum, and the incision is make any major decisions until you closed. have recovered. Ice packs may be Hydroceles are usually not dangerous kept close to the area for the first day and they are usually only treated if In adults, an incision is made in the after surgery to reduce the swelling. they cause discomfort or scrotum, the fluid is drained and the You are advised to wear close fitting embarrassment. hydrocele sac either everted or sewn underpants for support for a few up so that it cannot re-form. weeks after surgery. Important advice If the wound becomes increasingly painful, inflamed or weeps, then please consult your GP immediately For further information please contact: Urology Department Level 2 - Torbay Hospital Lawes Bridge, Torquay. TQ2 7AA Tel: (01803) 654806 Hydrocele Hydrocele/Urology/SDHCNHSFT/08.08/ review date 08.10 .