Hydrocelectomy
A hydrocelectomy, also known as a hydrocele repair, is a surgical procedure used to remove a hydrocele. A hydrocele is a painless swelling in the scrotum due to accumulation of fluid in the tunica vaginalis, a membrane that covers the front and sides of the testes. Hydroceles occur as a result of poor tissue fluid absorption or membrane irritation, resulting in fluid overproduction. The fluid may also fill a portion of the spermatic duct (epididymis) in the scrotum, in addition to the tunica vaginalis.
A hydrocele is a nontender fluid filled sac that will be seen or felt. The scrotum will be swollen.
Procedure
Before the Procedure
- Spinal anesthesia is administered as with any other procedure.
- It is recommended that you should fast from midnight, the night before the surgery.
- If you are on medications that must be taken, you will have discussed this with the doctor and instructions will be given to you.
- If you are currently taking any medication that may interfere with the ability to clot your blood ("blood thinners, aspirin, anti-inflammatory medications, etc."), the procedure will not be performed.
- Doctors will review all of your current medications with you during the preoperative or pre-procedure consultation.
- We will insist that you have a good quality scrotal support (jock strap) or a good pair of jockey shorts ready at home. You will need to wear them for a couple of weeks after surgery. Support helps to reduce discomfort and swelling.
During the Procedure
- An intravenous line is put into a vein in your arm or hand. This line delivers fluids and medications such as antibiotics.
- Anesthesia is then administered to keep you pain-free during the procedure. This could be general anesthesia, which will put you in a deep sleep-like state during the procedure. A tube may be inserted into your throat to help you breathe, or spinal anesthesia, where a thin needle is pierced into the back and anesthetic drug is given.
- The procedure takes less than one hour, depending on an individual’s anatomy and whether a prior hydrocele or other procedure has been performed in the scrotum. An incision is made in the midline or across the involved side of the scrotum. Dissection is then performed down to the hydrocele sac. The sac is freed from surrounding tissue, opened and drained of its fluid. The sac is then turned inside-out and the edges sewn together or it is completely cut away. The testicle and adjacent structures are inspected to ensure that everything else appears normal. Then the incision is closed.
- If your hydrocele is very large, doctors may elect to place a small drainage tube through the scrotal skin to help minimize the swelling. If done then you should return to the office in the next day or two to remove the drain.
After the Procedure
- The patient will be shifted to a recovery room immediately following surgery and checked for any excessive bleeding from the incision.
- The temperature and blood pressure of the patient will be monitored.
- An ice pack may be applied to the surgical area. This aids in the reduction of swelling. You might also have to wear a jockstrap.
- Once you are ready to go home, have a responsible adult family member or friend drive you.
Benefits
Hydrocelectomy is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of excess fluid that accumulates in the scrotum, leading to swelling and discomfort. Here are some potential benefits of hydrocelectomy:
Relief from swelling and discomfort
The primary benefit of hydrocelectomy is the relief from the swelling and discomfort caused by the hydrocele. The excess fluid is drained, and the scrotum returns to its normal size, alleviating the discomfort and pain associated with the condition.
Improved quality of life
Hydrocelectomy can improve the quality of life by resolving the symptoms such as discomfort and pain and allowing individuals to resume their regular activities without hindrance.
Prevention of complications
In some cases, hydroceles can increase the risk of infection, testicular torsion (twisting), and hernia. Hydrocelectomy can prevent these complications by removing the excess fluid and reducing the risk of further complications.
Restoration of normal testicular function
Hydroceles can sometimes put pressure on the testicles, leading to reduced testicular function. Hydrocelectomy can relieve this pressure and potentially restore normal testicular function, which can be important for fertility and hormonal regulation.
Long-term resolution
Hydrocelectomy is typically a permanent solution for hydroceles, providing long-term resolution of the condition in most cases. This means that once the excess fluid is removed, the hydrocele is unlikely to recur.
Quick recovery
Recovery after hydrocelectomy is usually relatively quick, with most patients able to resume normal activities within a few days.
Risks
Risks or complications can occur during any surgical procedure, regardless of its complexity or duration. Aside from anesthesia complications, it is critical that each patient understand all possible outcomes, which may include:
Recurrence or Persistence
A hydrocele may return. This is rare with a standard hydrocelectomy but common after a simple needle drainage procedure.
Hematoma
This occurs when a small blood vessel continues to bleed after the procedure has been completed. As a result, swelling and bruising have increased. It usually resolves itself with compresses over time. If the hematoma is unusually large and painful or does not resolve over a period of time, a procedure may be required to evacuate clots.
Chronic pain
Patients can develop chronic pain in an area that has been operated on. Typically, the pain disappears over time. If persistent, further evaluation would be necessary.
Infection
Infection is possible in any procedure. Usually, local wound care and antibiotics are sufficient. An infection may require partially opening the wound to allow proper drainage.
Testicular Ischemia/Loss
This is quite unlikely from the operation itself, but could occur.
Care at Medicover
At Medicover Hospital, we have an expert team of urologists to perform hydrocelectomy and ensure the most accurate and timely treatment procedures for all our patients. We offer top-notch facilities, the latest evidence-based treatment protocols and advanced technologies, which has made us one of the best hospitals in India. We are one of the best hydrocelectomy procedure specialists to provide the best treatments at affordable costs.
