Hydrocelectomy
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jul 7, 2024.
AMBULATORY CARE:
What you need to know about hydrocelectomy:
Hydrocelectomy is surgery to remove a hydrocele.
How to prepare for hydrocelectomy:
- Your surgeon will tell you how to prepare. Your surgeon may tell you not to eat or drink anything after midnight on the day of your surgery. Arrange to have someone drive you home when you are discharged.
- Tell your surgeon about all medicines you currently take. Your surgeon will tell you if you need to stop any medicine for the surgery, and when to stop. Your surgeon will tell you which medicines to take or not take on the day of surgery.
- Tell your surgeon about any allergies you have, including anesthesia or medicines. You may be given an antibiotic to help prevent a bacterial infection.
What will happen during hydrocelectomy:
- You will be given general anesthesia to keep you asleep and free from pain during surgery. Your surgeon will make an incision on your scrotum. Your surgeon will remove the fluid. Your surgeon may remove the fluid sac or make it smaller. This will help prevent another hydrocele. A drain may be placed to remove extra blood and fluid from the area. Your surgeon will close the incision with stitches. A bandage may be placed over the incision.
 |
What to expect after hydrocelectomy:
- Healthcare providers will monitor you until you are fully awake. You may be able to go home when providers see you are okay.
- Your surgeon will tell you when you can drive and return to work or other activities.
- If you have a drain, it is usually removed within a few days after surgery.
Risks of hydrocelectomy:
You may bleed more than expected or develop an infection. A hematoma (collection of blood) may form in your scrotum. Parts of your penis or scrotum may be damaged. This can cause infertility. You may develop another hydrocele. You may need more surgery to fix this.
Seek care immediately if:
- Your stitches come apart.
- You have severe bleeding from your incision.
- You have new or worsening bruising or swelling of your scrotum.
Call your doctor or surgeon if:
- You have a fever.
- You are bleeding from your incision.
- Your surgery area is red, warm to the touch, or draining fluid.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
Medicines:
You may need any of the following:
- NSAIDs , such as ibuprofen, help decrease swelling, pain, and fever. This medicine is available with or without a doctor's order. NSAIDs can cause stomach bleeding or kidney problems in certain people. If you take blood thinner medicine, always ask your healthcare provider if NSAIDs are safe for you. Always read the medicine label and follow directions.
- Prescription pain medicine may be given. Ask your healthcare provider how to take this medicine safely. Some prescription pain medicines contain acetaminophen. Do not take other medicines that contain acetaminophen without talking to your healthcare provider. Too much acetaminophen may cause liver damage. Prescription pain medicine may cause constipation. Ask your healthcare provider how to prevent or treat constipation.
- Take your medicine as directed. Contact your healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not helping or if you have side effects. Tell your provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency.
Care for the surgery area as directed:
Do not get the area wet until your healthcare provider says it is okay. When it is okay to bathe, do not scrub the area. Just let water run over it. Gently pat the area dry. Check the area every day for signs of infection, such as swelling, redness, or pus.
Self-care:
- Apply ice on your scrotum or groin for 15 to 20 minutes every hour or as directed. Use an ice pack, or put crushed ice in a plastic bag. Cover the bag with a towel. Ice helps prevent tissue damage and decreases swelling and pain.
- Follow activity instructions for 2 weeks, or as long as directed. Your surgeon will tell you when you can drive and return to work or other activities.
Follow up with your doctor as directed:
Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.
© Copyright Merative 2024 Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.
The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
