|
Hydrocele Repair Hydrocele repair (hydrocelectomy) is a procedure used to remove an accumulation of fluid within the sac that covers the front and sides of the testes. Hydroceles may be caused by inflammation, infection, trauma to the scrotal area, cancerous tumors, inguinal hernias, or no cause at all. • During the procedure the surgeon makes an incision in the scrotum. The hydrocele sac is then removed along with any accumulated fluid. The incision is then closed with sutures.
• The procedure is an outpatient procedure performed under general anesthesia and lasts between 45 and 60 minutes.
Hydrocelectomy is considered a safe procedure with only a 2% risk of complications.
Possible Complications include:
• Injury to the spermatic vessels which can affect fertility.
• Internal bleeding or bleeding at the incision site.
• Infection.
• Pain after surgery, chronic pain for months after surgery (rare).
• Recurrence of the hydrocele is seen in 5-10% of patients.
• Blood clots in the legs (deep vein thrombosis).
Please observe the following Pre-Operative Guidelines:
• The following medications should be Avoided One Week Prior to the Date of Surgery: All aspirin (ASA) or NSAID’s (Motrin, Advil), Coumadin, Lovenox, Celebrex, Plavix (Please contact us if you are unsure about which medications to stop, Do not stop any medication without contacting your prescribing doctor).
• Have nothing by mouth after midnight the night prior to your procedure unless otherwise instructed by the anesthesiologist.
After the Procedure:
• Please wear your athletic support immediately after surgery to reduce swelling and hold bandages in place. Rest with an ice pack on your scrotum to reduce swelling.
• After surgery you may have some pain, and swelling of the scrotum that may last for up to a month. Pain medication may be prescribed along with antibiotics to reduce the chance of infection.
• In most cases you may resume normal activity in seven to ten days. No heavy lifting or sexual activity for at least six weeks.
• Please contact us if your pain or swelling continues to increase, you notice redness at the incision site or you have a fever over 101 degrees.
• It is also necessary to schedule follow-up visits with us to assess your progress between one and two weeks after the procedure.
|
