WHAT IS A HYDROCELECTOMY?
Hydrocelectomy is the term used for removal of the abnormal sac of fluid that develops around the testicle.
The great part about a hydrocelectomy? All it takes is one small incision! The entire procedure is done under general anesthesia (asleep) via a small incision in the scrotum. The area heals quite well, and within a few months most patients can barely tell that any surgery was ever done.
HOW LONG SHOULD THE PROCEDURE LAST?
Forty-five minutes, in an outpatient surgical center.
WHAT ARE COMMON SIDE EFFECTS OF HYDROCELECTOMY?
Swelling and or bruising is the most common finding. Since the scrotum is essentially a floppy bag, any routine swelling or minor bleeding after surgery tends to take a few weeks to gradually get reabsorbed into the body.
BEFORE YOUR HYDROCELECTOMY
It is critical that you stop any aspirin, CoumadinⓇ, PlavixⓇ, or other blood thinners one week before your procedure. Please call our office should you have any questions about this.
The night before your procedure, you may eat and drink as usual. However, do not take anything by mouth after midnight the night before your surgery. Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing on the day of your procedure. Bring a list of all the prescription and nonprescription medications that you take regularly with you on the day of the procedure.
Please plan to arrive two hours prior to your treatment.
AFTER YOUR HYDROCELECTOMY
You may temporarily have a small drain placed in the surgical site. This is placed to reduce postoperative swelling and bruising, and drains these fluids away, but don’t worry — the drain typically will remain for 48 hours and then get removed in clinic.
It is common for the drain to have pink or red fluid. You will be given full instructions from our nurse on how to manage the drain when it gets full.
After the procedure, patients may have a variety of minor issues. Although many patients may do fine with no issues, some patients may experience minor, temporary issues such as swelling or bruising. Again, these usually tend to be minor issues, and resolve within one to two weeks after the procedure. Definitely rest up for a day or two after a hydrocelectomy.
If your pain isn’t too bad, AdvilⓇ, MotrinⓇ, or prescription ToradolⓇ work great (do not take blood thinners or aspirin products for one week). These are nonnarcotic, so you don’t get sleepy, constipated, or have other issues. Take them on a regular basis the first two to three days after the procedure. For pain not relieved by these medications, use the prescription TylenolⓇ with codeine or VicodinⓇ that was prescribed for you.
BOWELS
Do not strain when having a bowel movement. Expect irregular bowel habits until fully recovered. You may need to increase the fiber in your diet and take a stool softener or laxative.
ACTIVITY
Take it easy for the first 48 hours after the procedure. Do not drive or operate dangerous equipment for 48 hours following anesthesia. You may be able to resume non strenuous activities after 48 hours, unless otherwise directed by your physician. Avoid strenuous exercise, heavy lifting greater than 20 pounds, bike riding, and yard work for two weeks, as the vibrations and movement may cause bleeding. You also need to avoid sexual activity for two weeks after surgery.
DRAIN
You may have a drain in the surgical site, depending upon the extent of your surgery. Drains generally are removed within 48 hours in the Urology Clinic. Wash around the drain with soap and water and rinse well. You may shower, but avoid baths until the drain is removed.
EXPECTED SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
You may experience swelling or bruising in the surgical site after hydrocelectomy. This is normal and should subside in two to four weeks. On the side of the surgery, most patients will ultimately see approximately 75% reduction in size of collection; because of the scarring, and the thickened sac itself, there may always be a bit more fullness on this side than the ‘normal’ side.
FOLLOW-UP
Usually, Dr. Nimeh will communicate to you a desired follow-up time frame. Please call us the day after the procedure to verify a time to see us in the office and to remove your drain.
LONG TERM
Time to celebrate! Once your drain is removed, you’re on the road to recovery. Just as you wouldn’t run right after knee surgery, have patience as your scrotal swelling gradually recedes from surgery.
Most patients report 50% improvement in swelling within one month of surgery, and 75% improvement within three to six months postoperatively. This is largely dependent on how severe symptoms were prior to surgery. The good news is that you’ll be happy that you chose surgery, just be patient with your road to recovery.