Hydrocele Repair

 

What is it?

 

A Hydrocoele is a fluid filled sac that surrounds a testicle (sometimes both), usually causing a painless swelling of the scrotum. Hydrocoeles are common (about 1 in 10 male infants has a hydrocoele at birth) but most hydrocoeles disappear without treatment by the first year of life. Men, usually older than 40, can also develop hydrocoele due to inflammation or injury within the scrotum, many develop without any underlying cause.

 

 

Why is it done?

 

Hydrocoeles usually are not painful or harmful, that is why most hydrocoeles require no treatment. However if you have symptoms related to your hydrocoele, the preferred treatment is surgery.

 

How is it done?

 

This procedure is done under a general anaesthetic.  After you are asleep, the surgeon will shave the scrotum and an incision will be made over the scrotum and the hydrocoele brought out. The sac of the hydrocoele is opened and trimmed if necessary.  The edges are then sutured to prevent bleeding and to minimize the risk of recurrence.  The testicle is placed back into the scrotum which is sutured with dissolving sutures. 

 

Prior to your operation.

 

You will be required to fast for this procedure, normally 6 hrs prior to your procedure.

Please discuss with your Doctor before the procedure if you are taking Aspirin, Warfarin, Plavix or Arthritis medication and any other blood thinning medication. 

 

After the procedure.

 

You will be sent home with advice from nursing staff on how to manage your dressing. Continue to wear supportive underwear.

 

Please notify us or present to the Emergency Department at John Flynn Hospital if:

• Wound becomes red, swollen +/- pus oozing from the wound
• High fevers, shivering, shaking
• You have severe pain not relieved by prescribed medication