A hydrocele is a medical condition characterized by fluid accumulation around the testicle, leading to swelling in the scrotum. It’s a benign disease that cannot become infected or evolve into a more severe disease.
However, it can be responsible for discomfort, for being cumbersome during certain activities (e.g. bicycling) or for being unattractive.
The purpose of the procedure is to restore the scrotum to an average volume and to eliminate the patient’s symptoms.
How is a hydrocele repair (hydrocelectomy) performed?
The procedure starts with a short incision at the brown scrotal line and emptying the liquid. It’s sometimes necessary to remove part of the scrotum and then reconfigure it to reduce the risk of recurrence. Sutures are used for closing the skin.
A drain is sometimes left in place temporarily.
A drain is sometimes left in place temporarily.
Are there other treatment options to treat a hydrocele?
There is no medical treatment for hydrocele.
The treatment of hydrocele by puncture is also available. However, it’s a temporary solution since the condition will likely reoccur in a few months. This treatment is generally performed for short-term comfort before surgical repair.
The treatment of hydrocele by puncture is also available. However, it’s a temporary solution since the condition will likely reoccur in a few months. This treatment is generally performed for short-term comfort before surgical repair.
What are the risks and complications of a hydrocelectomy?
Any surgical procedure involves several risks that aren't always predictable. Complications directly related to the operation are rare but possible:
When the sutures are resorbed, there may be a flow similar to pus. Clean the area by taking a bath every day. A shower is allowed after 24 hours and a bath after 48 hours.
- Hematoma: a re-intervention may be necessary to stop bleeding and drain the hematoma.
- Delayed healing: healing may require prolonged local care.
- Infection: general signs of infection, such as fever, fluid draining from the sutures or local inflammation of the bursa, can require antibiotic treatment and the treatment of a possible abscess by our urologists.
- Testicular atrophy: a shrinking or decrease in size of one or both testicles may affect fertility and hormone production.
- Recurrence: the risk is extremely low.
When the sutures are resorbed, there may be a flow similar to pus. Clean the area by taking a bath every day. A shower is allowed after 24 hours and a bath after 48 hours.