Hydrocelectomy




Definition

Hydrocelectomy, also known as hydrocele repair, is a surgical procedure performed to correct a hydrocele. A hydrocele is an accumulation of peritoneal fluid in a membrane called the tunica vaginalis, which covers the front and sides of the male testes. Hydroceles occur because of defective absorption of tissue fluid or irritation of the membrane leading to overproduction of fluid. In addition to filling the tunic vaginalis, the fluid may also fill a portion of the spermatic duct (epididymis) in the scrotum.


Purpose

A hydrocelectomy is performed to correct a hydrocele and prevent its recurrence.


Demographics

Hydroceles are found in male children or adult males (usually over 40). They have no known association with a man's ethnic background or lifestyle factors.

A hydrocele is a pocket of fluid inside a man's testicle (A). To remove it, the surgeon cuts through the skin and tissue layers (B), then drains the hydrocele with a tube (C). The hydrocele is opened completely (D), and skin and tissue layers are stitched (E). (Illustration by GGS Inc.)
A hydrocele is a pocket of fluid inside a man's testicle (A). To remove it, the surgeon cuts through the skin and tissue layers (B), then drains the hydrocele with a tube (C). The hydrocele is opened completely (D), and skin and tissue layers are stitched (E). (
Illustration by GGS Inc.
)

Description

A hydrocele usually appears as a soft swelling in the membrane surrounding the testes. It is not usually painful and does not damage the testes. It typically occurs on one side only; only 7–10% occur on both sides of the scrotum. Inflammation is not usually present, although if the hydrocele occurs in conjunction with epididymitis (inflammation of the epididymis), the testes may be inflamed and painful. The main symptom of a hydrocele that occurs without epididymitis is scrotal swelling. As the hydrocele fills with fluid and grows, the scrotum itself gets larger. Some men may have pain or discomfort from the increased size of the scrotal mass. Hydroceles are usually congenital, found in a large percentage (80% or more) of male children and in 1% of adult males over 40.

The most common congenital hydrocele is caused by a failure of a portion of the testicular membrane (processus vaginalis, a membrane that descends with the testicles in the fetus) to close normally. This failure to close allows peritoneal (abdominal) fluid to flow into the scrotum. Although surgery is the usual treatment, it is not performed until the child is at least two years of age, giving the processus vaginalis sufficient time to close by itself. More than 80% of newborn boys are reported to have a patent (open) processus vaginalis, but it closes spontaneously in the majority of children before they are 12 months old. The processus is not expected to close spontaneously in children over 18 months.

In adults, hydroceles develop slowly, usually as a result either of a defect in the tunica vaginalis that causes overproduction of fluid, or as a result of blocked lymphatic flow that may be related to an obstruction in the spermatic cord. Hydroceles may also develop as a result of inflammation or infection of the epididymis; trauma to the scrotal area; or in association with cancerous tumors in the groin area. A hydrocele can occur at the same time as an inguinal hernia.

Hydroceles can be treated with aspiration or surgery. To aspirate the collected fluid, the doctor inserts a needle into the scrotum and directs it toward the hydrocele. Suction is applied to remove (aspirate) as much fluid as possible. While aspiration is usually successful, it is a temporary correction with a high potential for recurrence of the hydrocele. Aspiration may have longer-term success when certain medications are injected during the procedure (sclerotherapy). There is a higher risk of infection with aspiration than with surgery.

Generally, surgical repair of a hydrocele will eliminate the hydrocele and prevent recurrence. In adults, surgery is used to remove large or painful hydroceles. It is the preferred method of treatment for children over two years of age. It is also standard practice to remove hydroceles that reoccur after aspiration.

Patients are given general anesthesia for hydrocele repair surgery. A hydrocelectomy is typically performed on an outpatient basis with no special precautions required. The extent of the surgery depends on whether other problems are present. If the hydrocele is uncomplicated, the doctor makes an incision directly into the scrotum. After the canal between the abdominal cavity and the scrotum is repaired, the hydrocele sac is removed, fluid is removed from the scrotum, and the incision is closed with sutures. If there are complications, such as the presence of an inguinal hernia, an incision is made in the groin area. This approach allows the doctor to repair the hernia or other complicating factors at the same time as correcting the hydrocele. Some surgeons use a minimally invasive laparoscopic approach to repair a hydrocele. The operation is performed through a tiny incision using a lighted, camera-tipped, tube-like instrument (laparoscope) that allows the passage of instruments for the repair while displaying images of the procedure on a monitor in the operating room .


Diagnosis

Diagnosis will begin with taking a careful history, including sexual history, recent injury, or illnesses, and observing signs and symptoms. Hydroceles can sometimes be diagnosed in the doctor's office by visual examination and palpation (touch). Hydroceles are distinguished from other testicular problems by transillumination (shining a light source through the hydrocele so that the tissue lights up) and ultrasound examinations of the area around the groin and scrotum.


Preparation

The patient will be given standard pre-operative blood and urine tests at some time prior to surgery. Before the operation, the physician or nurse will explain the procedure, the type of anesthesia to be used, and, in some cases, the need for a temporary drain to be inserted. The drain will be placed during surgery to reduce the chances of post-operative infection and fluid accumulation.

Aftercare

Immediately following surgery, the patient will be taken to a recovery area and checked for any undue bleeding from the incision. Body temperature and blood pressure will be monitored. Patients will usually go home the same day for a brief recovery period at home. Follow-up appointments are usually scheduled for several weeks after surgery so that the doctor can check the incision for healing and to be sure there is no infection. The patient may notice swelling for several months after the procedure; however, prolonged swelling, fever, or redness in the incision area should be reported to the surgeon immediately.


Risks

Hydrocelectomy is considered a safe surgery, with only a 2% risk of infection or complications. Injury to spermatic vessels can occur, however, and affect the man's fertility. As with all surgical procedures, reactions to anesthesia, bleeding from the surgical incision, and internal bleeding can also occur.


Normal results

Surgery usually corrects the hydrocele and the underlying defect completely; recurrence is rare. The long-term outlook is excellent. There may be swelling of the scrotum for up to a month. The adult patient is able to resume most activities within seven to 10 days, although heavy lifting and sexual activities may be delayed for up to six weeks. Children will be able to resume normal activities in four to seven days.


Morbidity and mortality rates

Chronic infection after surgical repair can increase morbidity. There are no instances reported of death following a hydrocele repair.

Alternatives

A hydrocele is most often a congenital defect that is commonly corrected surgically. There are no recommended alternatives and no known measures to prevent the occurrence of congenital hydroceles.


Resources

BOOKS

"Disorders of the Scrotum." Section 17, Chapter 219 in The Merck Manual of Diagnosis and Therapy , edited by Mark H. Beers, MD, and Robert Berkow, MD. Whitehouse Station, NJ: Merck Research Laboratories, 1999.

Sabiston, D. C., and H. K. Lyrly. Essentials of Surgery . Philadelphia, PA: W. B. Saunders Co., 1994.

Way, Lawrence W., MD. Current Surgical Diagnosis and Treatment , 10th ed. Stamford, CT: Appleton & Lange, 1994.

PERIODICALS

Chalasani, V., and H. H. Woo. "Why Not Use a Small Incision to Treat Large Hydroceles?" ANZ Journal of Surgery 72 (August 2002): 594-595.

Fearne, C. H., M. Abela, and D. Aquilina. "Scrotal Approach for Inguinal Hernia and Hydrocele Repair in Boys." European Journal of Pediatric Surgery 12 (April 2002): 116-117.

ORGANIZATIONS

National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse. 31 Center Drive, MSC 2560, Building 31, Room 9A-04, Bethesda, MD 20892-2560. (800) 891-5390. http://www.niddk.nih.gov .

OTHER

Dolan, James P., MD. Hydrocele Repair . http://www.kernanhospital.com .

Men's Health Topics. Hydrocele . http://www.uro.com/hydrocele.htm .

L. Lee Culvert

WHO PERFORMS THE PROCEDURE AND WHERE IS IT PERFORMED?


A hydrocelectomy is performed in a hospital operating room or a one-day surgery center by a general surgeon or urologist.

QUESTIONS TO ASK THE DOCTOR


  • Why is this surgery necessary?
  • How will it improve my condition (my child's condition)?
  • Is surgery the only option for correction of this problem?
  • How many times have you performed this surgery? What are the usual results?
  • How will I (my child) feel after the surgery?
  • How soon can I (my child) resume normal activities?

User Contributions:

Dennis
Report this comment as inappropriate
Mar 10, 2006 @ 12:12 pm
I wish I had known about and read this info before the surgery. Post surgery very uncomfortable and difficult to deal with. Was not prepared.
Alberto
Report this comment as inappropriate
Mar 29, 2006 @ 12:12 pm
It helps me to be prepared for my future surgery in April.
Thanks
Ken
Report this comment as inappropriate
Apr 17, 2006 @ 10:22 pm
I just had a hydrocelectomy and was under for the whole surgery. No pain for the surgery but woke up sore. Very sore for about 7 to 8 days and felt much better after that.After you get through the first week after the surgery its down hill from there. Just remember Vicodin is your friend!Good luck to anyone having the surgery.P.S. I also had a vasectomy with it which may have contributed to the longer recovery.
Ken
Report this comment as inappropriate
Apr 17, 2006 @ 10:22 pm
Sorry guys, I meant UP hill from there!No worries, get it done it's worth not having to deal with an oversized testicle. (My wife is much happier as well!)
Augustine Dharmaraj
Report this comment as inappropriate
Apr 5, 2007 @ 8:08 am
My son is about to meet a Hydrocele surgery tomorrow. My son is in Sri Lanka and I'm in Doha. One week since, my mind is struggling thinking about the surgery. Your article in this regard really makes my mind clear. Thank you for your excellent service. Augy.
peter norton
Report this comment as inappropriate
Jul 7, 2007 @ 3:15 pm
I too had not read about post-surgery recommendations after hydrocele surgery. Nor was I given any advice by the hospital, altho' they did provide a jockstrap to wear at home. After two days the jockstrap was way too small and the swelling trying to escape sideways. So I had to take it off. After 3 days the swelling had reached the size of an orange and the pain was enormous too, so my GP referred me back to the hospital where the surgery had been carried out. After some prodding and then a scan the doctor decided that there was no haematoma but some post-operative swelling of the epididimis. It's the 7th day since surgery, as I write this. The pain is tolerable and the swelling may even be diminished. My post-surgery advice - now - would be: stay in bed for two days; apply ice packs; if you take pain-killers be prepared for some constipation; drink loads of water and walk with short steps. Seems to me that periodic aspiration is the low risk option while dashing to surgery is the really dodgy option.
Richard
Report this comment as inappropriate
Jul 29, 2007 @ 6:06 am
I had the surgery two weeks ago. The pain was minimal and the swelling is not so bad. The bad part is the oozing which occurs on a daily basis. It is a pain to keep changing pads with the strap they provided. I am told the oozing can go on for two months. Not looking forward to that. Still I do not regret getting the surgery.
Sam
Report this comment as inappropriate
Aug 6, 2007 @ 10:22 pm
I had a Hydrocelectomy 4 days ago (friday 3rd august). I had to wear a "jockstrap" for the first couple of days like peter. yesturday i had to take it off because it kept rising and catching my stitches, even with the padding. The day after my op, it was the size of a small grapefruit, but each day it halved in size. I haven't suffered any pain other than when i forget and drop the remote on my crotch. In fact i'd say my recover has been quite "pleasurable" not in the sense that i'd recommend it for the crack of it but i have suffered minimal discomfort. Each day there has been a little blood on the pad but nothing major. I haven't needed any ice packs although i have been taking painkillers and once again i have to agree with peter lol. A good tip i found though when i got rid of my support was to wear tight-ish boxer briefs with some padding under the balls. it feels like i'm wearing a nappy, but it's better than the strain on my stitches without it.

Must add now though, my good recovery may lead to the fact that i'm only 18 and at the peak of fitness. I usually recover from most things within a couple of days. All i can say really is that i'm pretty lucky. Sounds like some other people haven't had it as good. My sympathy goes out to you guys
glenn
Report this comment as inappropriate
Aug 21, 2007 @ 1:13 pm
THANKS TO ALL,I am having this done aug 22.your comments make me feel a lot better and a lot less worry
Nuelo
Report this comment as inappropriate
Sep 6, 2007 @ 6:18 pm
I know this question is a little inappropriate for this site since most people here are either getting their hydrocelectomy or have already had one.
I was told by a doctor that the use of hydrochlorothiazide could reduce the amount of fluid in the hydrocele. What do you guys think of this solution?
Nuelo
Report this comment as inappropriate
Sep 7, 2007 @ 8:08 am
I know this question is a little inappropriate for this site since most people here are either getting their hydrocelectomy or have already had one.
I was told by a doctor that the use of hydrochlorothiazide could reduce the amount of fluid in the hydrocele. What do you guys think of this solution?
Simon
Report this comment as inappropriate
Nov 22, 2007 @ 3:15 pm
Was diagnosed with this today by my GP and am seeing a consultant next week to arrange the operation. The article and comments have very useful. If I have anything useful to add will do so when its sorted
Role
Report this comment as inappropriate
Dec 25, 2007 @ 6:18 pm
I just got diagnosed with a hydrocele on 12/22/07 will be operated on 12/26/07. Hopefully it will go ok and I will post my recovery here on a daily basis.
Tim
Report this comment as inappropriate
Dec 28, 2007 @ 12:12 pm
Had my hydrocelectomy on 12/26/07 and was informed I also had a spermatocele. I'm going to the urologist to have my drain tube remove today 12/28/07. I'm having some pain and insomia. He has me on vicodin for the pain. He also put me on an antibiotic called cephalexin.
Tim
Report this comment as inappropriate
Dec 29, 2007 @ 6:06 am
I'm feeling much better since my drain tube was removed yesterday and didn't realize how long it was (about 5 in.) Urologist prescribed lunesta for my insomnia. Third day of surgery and not feeling any pain this morning. I'm oozing a brown substance and very swollen.
role
Report this comment as inappropriate
Dec 29, 2007 @ 3:15 pm
I had my hydrocelectomy on 12/27/07,went good and they did not put that drain that everyone has had.I am a little swollen but not as bad as I thought I would be and no oozing iether. I will see my Urologist in 2 weeks and its been 2 days since my operation and I feel soar but other than that I feel good. Also I have no stitches to be removed.
role
Report this comment as inappropriate
Dec 29, 2007 @ 4:16 pm
I forgot to mention that I also had a vasectomy four day before my hydro. And I do not regret it.Feeling preety good 2 days later and taking vicodine.
tim
Report this comment as inappropriate
Dec 30, 2007 @ 7:07 am
Role, your procedure seems different from mine. I have stitches down the middle of my scrotum and two small incisions below each testicle. I also have a cut on the side of my right scrotum that is oozing. I had a vasectomy back in Aug. of 2004 and I believe that may be the cause of my problems today. But to be honus I had forgot I had the vasectomy until I stated feeling some discomfort in August of this year. I'm praying to eventually be pain free and be able to see my testicles again. I'm feeling pain in the same area I felt(the base of my penis top of scrotum)before the surgery.
They thought the ultrsound identified two hydroceles, a small one on the left and a big one on the right. I ended up having a hydrocelectomy on the right side and a spermatoceletomy on the left. I noticed I had swelling back in August of this year and started geeting insomnia and depression in October. Guys I know its only the 4th day post-surgery and I need to give myself a chance to heal and have faith in God. I will keep you posted on my progress and my eventual complete recovery. :) Let's all keep the faith, especially me. My goal is to be drug free by Feburary of 2008 i.e., no pain killers, no sleep aids, no antibiotic, and no antidepresants. I didn't take any medication before I was diagnosed with my hydrocele. Never had any problem with sleeping. Lookinf forward to having the old me back. Must have FAITH IN GOD.
tim
Report this comment as inappropriate
Dec 30, 2007 @ 7:07 am
Role, are you saying you had a procedure that didn't require stitches or your stitches will dissolved and not have to be removed??????
Tim
Report this comment as inappropriate
Dec 31, 2007 @ 2:14 pm
5th day of post-op and seeing improvement but still on pain pills. Scrotum has gotten smaller and pain is minimal. Happy New Year!
Role
Report this comment as inappropriate
Jan 1, 2008 @ 1:13 pm
Hey sorry took so long to read this post,but I really did not have any stitches at all. They stitched the inside of my testicles, my cut runs down the middle of my scrotum. Today I am not taking any Vicodine, and my swelling has gone down so much,I say 1 more day and i'll be good as new. I can stand up now for a significant amount of time but after a while I start feeling my cut throbbing.I wish you and the others the best on recuperation.
The doctor mentioned that he would put stitches on the inside so as to heal better and faster and so that I wouldnt have to worry about the stitches getting cut up the underwear,plu i never did wear a jockstrap.I did also hve a vasectomy and I think thats why I was a little more soar.This is my 4th day post op. and doing well. Tim you have the right attitude, you keep having faith in God and he will hear you out (without God we are nobody).
rolerios
Report this comment as inappropriate
Jan 1, 2008 @ 2:14 pm
Tim feel free to e-mail me, I dont think all my comments are being posted or taking to long.
Tim
Report this comment as inappropriate
Jan 2, 2008 @ 6:06 am
6th day and no pain this morning. Took a pain pill at bedtime and hope I can get through today without pain medication. The right side of my scrotum is still bigger than it was before the surgery.
Tim
Report this comment as inappropriate
Jan 2, 2008 @ 9:09 am
6th day of surgery an left side of scrotum is still swollen. Not much pain today, so far, and trying to get through today without pain pills.
TJ
Report this comment as inappropriate
Jan 7, 2008 @ 11:11 am
I had my hydrocelectomy on Dec. 26, 07. My incision is now red and itchy. Still oozing just a little. Never had any pain. Never took a pain pill. Like Tim said, the drain was very long. My wife cut the stitch and I pulled the drain out. So far, so good.
drew
Report this comment as inappropriate
Jan 15, 2008 @ 3:15 pm
Great summary; answered many questions for me. Thanks. My hydrocelectomy is scheduled for 1/21. My pain is mostly in my epididymis, which I hope will improve after surgery.
drew
Report this comment as inappropriate
Jan 24, 2008 @ 8:08 am
Update: I started having second thoughts about the surgery because the pain changed. It became less intense and more of a radiating "toothache" type pain through my groin. But I went ahead with it anyway. The surgery was supposed to take 45 minutes, and ended up taking three and a half hours. Surgeon completely removed the right testicle and some other infected tissues. He said it was a very involved infection, so he consulted with my wife about the option of removing it or trying months of antibiotic treatment (and likely having to remove it anyway). We had discussed it ahead of time, so she told him to take it. I don't know if it was a hydrocele and then migrated into something else or if it was always just an infection. I'm on the mend and glad to know it's taken care of. Still bruised and healing, but better.
alex
Report this comment as inappropriate
Feb 1, 2008 @ 9:09 am
Thanx.Its nice site wish knew it wn i was still doing my undergraduate. but need more details about the procedures
Nuelo
Report this comment as inappropriate
Feb 8, 2008 @ 9:09 am
I had my hydro removed 3 days ago. This morning I am feeling much better. Last pain killer I took was last night and this morning I have no more pain in the balls. For the past 3 days it basically felt like someone kicked me in the balls. I had the procedure done at Mount Sinai Hospital in Toronto. The surgeon mad an incession about 1.5 inches long down the middle of my scrotom. He remove the fluid (there was a lot about the size of a small melon) and then he said that he inverted the tunica vaginalis and tied it off so the fluid would not come back. This morning I took my first shower and remove the gause pad. I was surprised that it looked really good. Except for the size of my left testicle (the one with the hydro in it) it seems just a little lighter then before the surgery but definetly less tense.
ALEX
Report this comment as inappropriate
Feb 18, 2008 @ 5:17 pm
Thanks,for the comments. I will be having my hydrocele on the 22nd of february. I'm very nervous and reading this comments made me feel better. in my case i'm having some pain on the left side of my leg and up towards the left side of my stomach. Nothing major but enough for disconfort and to make me very worried. I guess now i know what to expect from reading these comments and are looking foward to not having all this constant
disconfort and light pain. It feels like recovering from a kick in the nuts that does not end.
matt
Report this comment as inappropriate
Feb 20, 2008 @ 9:21 pm
I'm glad to read these posts, because I'm reseaching for a good surgeon that's done these procedures well. - One question: how did anyone here decide on the right one? Was he/she recommended? Just curious. I'm more than ready to have mine done !
Hal
Report this comment as inappropriate
Mar 6, 2008 @ 9:21 pm
I wish these all went well. I had my first hydrocelectomy October, 2007. I did not trust the Dr. and should have followed my instincts and found another. Anyway, six weeks later the incision was healed nicely and I was in constant pain - the scrotum was as large or larger than ever. I fired Dr. #1 and went to a general surgeon - who suspected a communicating hernia had refilled the scrotum, and a good Urologist who wasn't so sure. Despite no sign of a communicating hernia via CT scan, I had dual surgery on 1/2/2008. The general surgeon dug a hole into my groin looking for the hernia that turned out not to be there - thanks doc. That is now healed eight weeks later. The Urologist then reopened the scrotum and did a "re-do." "Total mess" was his comment. "Severly inflamed and full of coagulated blood." Took him a few hours to make it right. Have now (March 2008) been in constant pain since October 2007. The scrotum healed fine again and is now normal size - some progress. But the pain is tough and I've been on Hydrocodone since October and need to get off it before I become an addict. Urologist #2 has little to offer me other than Ibuprofin at this point - which does not work at all. "Give it a few months - it will probably resolve." I'm not feeling lucky. The second surgery was done the best way: went home with the scrotum under a lot of compression and a drain inserted - which collected a lot of fluid that would have coagulated in there a second time. After three days the drain was removed and the surgery was a success - except for the nerve impingment left over from the first, or second, surgery. I'm one of the 2% who would never have done this if I known what was coming next. Good luck everyone.
Terryll Rainey
Report this comment as inappropriate
Apr 13, 2008 @ 6:18 pm
I'm very upset about my recent (5 days ago) surgery. I was in a lot of pain post surgery and am still in a lot of pain despite large doses of ibuprofen (helps the most) and oxycodone. Just sitting here sort of examining the area now that I can stand the touch, and my testicle seems quite firmly attached (stitched) to my scrotum. It's really pissing me off. I had in fact asked the surgeon during my follow-up the day after the surgery if he hadn't accidentally stabbed my testicle during surgery (which he of course denied), but now I see I was absolutely right. Bas$#$@ sewed my scrotum to my nut. No wonder it hurts like hell. Any comments?
Terryll Rainey
Report this comment as inappropriate
Apr 13, 2008 @ 6:18 pm
I'm very upset about my recent (5 days ago) surgery. I was in a lot of pain post surgery and am still in a lot of pain despite large doses of ibuprofen (helps the most) and oxycodone. Just sitting here sort of examining the area now that I can stand the touch, and my testicle seems quite firmly attached (stitched) to my scrotum. It's really pissing me off. I had in fact asked the surgeon during my follow-up the day after the surgery if he hadn't accidentally stabbed my testicle during surgery (which he of course denied), but now I see I was absolutely right. Bas$#$@ sewed my scrotum to my nut. No wonder it hurts like hell. Any comments?
Rich
Report this comment as inappropriate
Apr 17, 2008 @ 9:21 pm
10 Days now since my right side hydroselectomy oporation. I had no drain tube, dissolvable stitching. Incision about 3 inch / 20 stitch approx. Under general you feel nothing, wake up feeling like someone is squeezing your testes, (dull stomach pain I complained of) so, ....I.V. was still inserted in arm, and a shot of morphine made it all better immediately, wife said later that day, "I was high alright" haha. One hour later, getting dressed / going home, wheelchair to entrance, wife and car waiting, no trouble walking or standing. Sent home with antiinfection Nova lexin? and also Tyynol 3 painkillers prescription, wife pick them up. take 3 a day, ...It's been 10 days now, and about 4 days ago finally found lost ball, floating freely around once again in a deformed, puckered stitching of skin. after 10 days, bag is smoothing out into proper shape , stitches healing with very minimal leakage, not brown and dark as some others posted, tiny red blood spots from couple of stitch. I have no idea how long before these stitches desolve, but they will drive you crazy if you try sitting too long/! lay down and relax! I was told 5 days, and good as new, well, by choice, I missed these 10 days at work now, because those darn stitch whiskers keep catching on every clothing you wear, which is very irritating! No swelling now, only first 6 days. No dressing to replace as some mentioned, I had a patch stuck on from surgery, peeled it off on day three, took two days because of hair adhesion...tender! and fear of damaging stitches. Also, I removed it in pieces, as soon as I was able to peel one corner back, I carefully cut the centre out with sciccors to expose to the air, (important, let the wound breath). Hope this helps others, really not a bad experience at all, relax and get it done.
Rich
QUEEN
Report this comment as inappropriate
Apr 19, 2008 @ 3:15 pm
NO SEX AFTER THE SURGERY, MY HUSBAND SAID THAT HIS BODY HAVE CHANGED.CAN YOU TELL ME WHY.SURGERY WAS DONE IN 2006 AND IT NOW 2008
Dave
Report this comment as inappropriate
May 12, 2008 @ 9:21 pm
Hi there. I was wondering how large a Hydrocele people had before they had it removed. Mine is about 100mm (4") by about (2") and has become awkward and somewhat painful, especially after sitting for a long time. I can get it done privately now or wait until it gets to about 150mm and get it done at a public hospital. I have several unrelated surgeries so I'm well familiar with post-operative recovery.
Michael
Report this comment as inappropriate
Jun 11, 2008 @ 12:12 pm
I had mine done two weeks ago. My right size was about the size of a small orange--the result of sugery in 2002. Really couldn't be comfortable in jeans or anything slightly tight because of it. Surgery went fine. Had the drain removed the day after surgery, and went back to work two days after surgery. Took some vicadine, but really only 3 a day right afterwards (I was told I could take 6-8 per day), and stopped taking any within 4 days. Pain wasn't bad. Right side was swollen, but it now seems to be lessening. At any rate, its definitely smaller than before the surgery. The incision was on the right side, about two inches, and the stitches have already dissolved. I tend to heal quicly, and I'm 42.
Richard White
Report this comment as inappropriate
Jul 28, 2008 @ 9:09 am
I just underwent the procedure and your information was very inportant to me. Now, when I have my post-operative visit I can be armed about questions of my urologist.

Thank you!
greg
Report this comment as inappropriate
Jul 29, 2008 @ 4:16 pm
i am just wondering after surgery will the testicle be the same size as the other one after the swelling how long will it take to fully recover? and be completly normal?
Scott
Report this comment as inappropriate
Aug 3, 2008 @ 10:10 am
I had surgery on the right side two weeks ago. The surgery went fine. After the first week, the stitches were coming off and I thought everything was returning to normal. Within the next 4-5 days, the same testicle (right) had returned to the same size that it was prior to the surgery (about the size of a handball). The doctor said that it can return and he wanted to wait a few weeks and schedule another ultra sound. I'm worried that it returned so quickly. Has that happened to anyone else?
pb
Report this comment as inappropriate
Aug 3, 2008 @ 10:10 am
I am in my late 30's and I had mine done about 1 year ago. No real issues except that I was paranoid as anything of the general anesthesia. I had a small hydrocele on my left side which the Urologisy (Dr. Buckley) in T.O. fixed up no issues in the O.R. for about 45mins chatting with the anesthesologist about my paranoia then he put me under (tricked me, but that's ok).
Post-op I had the chills and felt like I was severely hung over (without the headache), They said i could have demoral which might help, but I said no it's not that bad.
Nobody told me why until it was time to go home and changed into my clothes I realized I had an ice pack on there (hmm that might give me the chills). The nurse was really good though she kept putting warm blankets over me which helped with that. I also didn't fell like sex for about 6 months, maybe my body saying hey you need to let this heal somemore? Other than that a full recovery. Oh one other thing, they left my wife waiting for over 2hrs as I was late going in and no one told her when i got out until about an hour after i said where's my wife? They said oh didn't anyone go and get her yet? Yeah lets's see I hopped out and went and got her.
mw
Report this comment as inappropriate
Aug 30, 2008 @ 4:16 pm
Hi all,
I had bilateral (both) hydrocele done last Wed (Aug 20). The surgeon actually said I had spermatoceles, not hydroceles, but didn't know that until he had me open. Well, as of today (Aug 30), I am still bleeding from a small spot in the center of the incision and it requires me to change my pad/gauze every couple of hours.......very very inconvienent!!!!! I am a very quick healer and this bleeding (not oozing, not brown, but regular blood red) makes no sense to me. I went to the doctor this past Tuesday and proceeded to bleed onto the chair in the waiting room (had to wait 1 hour). The doc just said "yeah, sometimes it's like that" and that the bleeding would "probably" stop in 3-4 days. Well, he's wrong...still bleeding at the same rate. I also still have quite a bit of pain on my right side (it had the bigger spermatocele) and quite a bit of swelling, but primarily if I try to stand up. Luckily I can work from home, but I have been virtually bedridden for almost 10 days now....this is a joke. I'm on antibiotics, but still running a low grade fever (98-99).
Maybe this will all calm down in a week, but it has been a huge hassle for a procedure that supposedly would have me back up and functional a few days after the surgery. I have had surgeries larger than this and the bleeding usually stops at day 3 or so. I wish I had gone to a couple of Urologists and gotten 2nd/3rd opinions and asked for patient referrals (probably wouldn't have gotten them).
Think real hard before you get this surgery and quiz your doctor about his experience!!!!
Tamra
Report this comment as inappropriate
Sep 6, 2008 @ 5:05 am
Thanks to all who have posted comments. My husband is having this surgery on Tuesday. It will ease my mind and his too I'm sure.
Thanks
John
Report this comment as inappropriate
Sep 24, 2008 @ 3:15 pm
All I can say is that from my point of view it's worth having done! My hydrocele, which was on my left testicle, had grown to almost the size of a tennis ball and was getting very uncomfortable. This was causing me to panic but there was no need for me to do so. The surgery was relatively straight forward (it was my first ever operation, I'm 26) and the area was naturally very painful for 2 days after. The area was still uncomfortable post-surgery for a few weeks after, but I only needed to take a week off work. After a few weeks I saw a specialist as I was worried it wasn't returning to normal. But it was fine really and it was just a matter of time before everything would be back to normal. After 2 months everything was indeed completely back to normal, apart from a minor scar on my scrotum, and my sex life is currently great!
Ed Nartowicz
Report this comment as inappropriate
Oct 4, 2008 @ 6:18 pm
I have had hydrocele since 1955, unfortunately I was on the USS Lexington and a group of VIP's were coming on board when we pulled into Hong Kong. I was assigned to my berthing comaprtment and therefore had to clean the aluminum ladder "steps." I was given a can of Lemonade concentrate and I applied this to the steps and wiped with a rag, amazing how bright they got, however, I was called to the flight deck for a trining session and during the training session my testicles swelled up like a baloon. I reported to sickbay and they put me in bed and treated it without draining or surgery, the rest of my life I went on like this in the military, military doctors Navy and Air Force saw my condition and stated what it was but took no action. Had I known then, this condition would have been attacked many years ago. It was finally four years ago I got to see a Urologist and he explained the details, the sack was drained by use of the needle, but recently I was on a flight from down south to way up north and when I got off the plane I felt pain starting in the groin area, for three days after the pain was so bad and the swelling of the testicles, I had a very hard time to sit down or even get up. I kept this to myself because of embarassment and after five days the swelling when down a little. When I returned home I contacted my Urologist and he examined me and stated that surgery would be the answer to keep this from repeating. I had surgery eleven days ago, still a little tender especially when sitting down ot getting up. It is feeling alot better. By the way I was up in Rhode Island on my vactation and when the swelling came, I went to every pharmacy and sports store unable to find a jock strap, couldn't belive it. However, after surgery, yes they give you on of those thong looking jockstraps, fine but get rid of it and buy a jockstap or two, in the bottom of the jock strap place padding or 4x4's. Makes a big difference in the healing process.
Mari
Report this comment as inappropriate
Oct 9, 2008 @ 3:15 pm
My 7 month old nephew is scheduled for this surgery on 10/31/08. Looks like he’s going to be in a bit of pain.
Hydrocelectomy-Vasectomy
Report this comment as inappropriate
Oct 11, 2008 @ 1:01 am
I had a Vasectomy and Hydrocelectomy of my left testicle four days ago. The surgery itself was a breeze; the surgeon placed me under general anesthesia, made a 2 inch "vertical" incision in the center of my scrotum (about 1 inch below my penis). He them snapped the 2 vas diferens' and removed the hydrocele sac. He then applied "glue" that will dissolve in 10 days. I was told I could shower the next day and that I could have sex a week later.

I was given NO jockstrap and NO aftecare instructions. I was antibiotics for 3 days and given Vicodin which I took every 3 hours the first day and stayed in bed all day... The next day, I needed the Vicodin 2 times, and on day 3, I took it once before I slept.

The first 2 days, my left testicles was swollen a bit... and I felt my entire body aching... my knee joints that have a very mild arthritis were very painful but the Vicodin helped. I kept the scrotum clean to the extent possible... I also used a "Hospital antiseptic spray" on the scrotum... and surprizingly the ice packs were critical in reducing the swelling of my testicle and I guess the vas diferens. The part behind the incision seems to be lumpy for some reason (is this normal?).

Now 4 days later, my left testicle is almost normal size but very tender with some pain, and I guess the inner pain in my groin area is a result of the snapped vas diferens' that are still healing.

I took Vicodin 3 hours ago (it no longer makes me sleepy or drowsy)... I will take another one before I go to sleep. Hope this helps.
ebosiam
Report this comment as inappropriate
Oct 28, 2008 @ 11:11 am
Hi, it's about 6 days after my surgery and I have to say they definately did not prescribe me enough demerol, LOL! The pain is minor today, moreso just irritating but the past two days I definately could've used a painkiller or two. My question is: They say NO SEX for 4 weeks but I am wondering if this includes oral or masturbation? I honestly do not think I can last 4 weeks!
Also, to anyone debating having this done: It's well worth it. I feel lighter and more aerodynamic already!
Hydrocelectomy-Vasectomy
Report this comment as inappropriate
Nov 2, 2008 @ 1:01 am
(continued from above) Almost 3 weeks later, the "glue" was simply "very thin" dissolvable 2-O chromic stitches which are nothing but catgut stiches that my body dissolved in 10 days... The lump inside my scrotum was diagnosed as haematoma (blood clots)... It was big and painful.. The urologist said that in 5% of surgeries, haematoma occurs due to blood after the surgery (why couldn't he take extra measures?).... The body should dissolve this haematoma in 6 weeks following surgery.. .so I have 3 weeks to go. He said that if it did not go, and if it bothers me, I will need to go through an entire surgery agian to remove the haematoma that resulted from the first surgery (WTF?)... I never though of asking him what guarantees do I have that I will not have another haematoma that will require a 3rd surgy... and so on... he also mumbled something that the haematoma may liquify and that WILL cause the left testicle to get bigger and I will have to live with a larger left testicle like the one I had before the hudrocelectomy... WTF? why did I go through the hydrocelectomy in the first place? Anyway, the urologist put me on 600mg Iboprufen (200 mg in the morning and 400 mg at night)... Luckily, my cousin is a surgeon and he told me to apply heat to the haematoma... and it started to get smaller in the last week. The strange thing is that when I apply heat, the haematoma becomes very soft and liquid like... and when it gets cold again, it becomes solid... No idea what that is... My hope is that in 3 weeks the body will totally absorb it...
Lucky aka BobA
Report this comment as inappropriate
Nov 16, 2008 @ 9:21 pm
It has been four weeks and I still have seepage from the drain placed in my scrotum. The incision from surgery has been problematic and remains large and swolen. I would recommend laproscopic and not traditional surgery. Do yourself a favor and seek a Dr. that does the procedure laproscopically. Good luck!
Jim
Report this comment as inappropriate
Nov 21, 2008 @ 3:15 pm
My surgery was Nov 6th.....15 days ago. I too ended up having a hydrocelectomy on the right side and a spermatoceletomy on the left and I have stitches down the middle of my scrotum. I thought this surgery would be a cakewalk because it is outpatient surgery with a small incision, no rehab afterwards etc.etc.
I've had plenty of surgeries: Pins and plates in leg, knee and 2 shoulder surgeries as well as 2 back surgeries with the last time fusing the spine. I was not ready for what awaited after this "Procedure". Everyday I wake up feeling like I have just gotten kicked in the testes and that wonderful feeling lasts all day long. I went into see my Urologist today because I am so swollen I thought something might be ready to rupture and it is very unpleasant to walk and it it is very painful to be sitting as it puts more pressure on my scrotum. (BTW: I am 5ft 7 inches, 165 Lbs and in fairly good shape so I am not overweight to add any complications to things) And like one of the other comments about his testicle being sewn onto the scrotum........My swelling is so bad that the teste is pushed to the top of the scrotum actually rubbing on my left leg when I move (Hence the sick to my stomach feeling I have had every day so far. YAY!) so the testicle is not sewn but I think maybe the spermatic cord is what is sewn as it is firmly planted right against the front of the inside of the scrotum and pulls all the way up into my stomach.
I was never made aware that the swelling could be quite large and go on for possibly 2 months or more.
I guess I am over the worst of it but he said it may be 2 months or more before the swelling goes away. I hope there is nothing else critical he omitted from the info he shared with me. I really feel he should have shared these valuable pieces of info with his patient ahead of time.

I feel as if I found out more here than what he told me before the surgery. Glad I found this place, just wish it was a few weeks earlier!

Good luck to all.

Jim
MBS
Report this comment as inappropriate
Nov 21, 2008 @ 4:16 pm
Had my operation (left side) three days ago. Mine was the size of a large orange. The surgery was painless. Went to sleep and woke up high as a kite with a bunch of stitches in my scrotum. They put in a drain but it was removed yesterday. I am glad that they put in the drain as it seems to have prevented swelling somewhat. Had to take pain medicine (oxycontin) for 2 days, but am off of it today. Pain is noticible just when walking or getting up/down. My scrotum is already a LOT smaller and I seem to be healing really quickly (I am 37). Assuming that I have no ensuing complications, I am really happy that I did this. One note of advice is to get yourself a good ice pack and make sure you have plenty of ice on hand. It helps more than I can say :)
MBS
Report this comment as inappropriate
Nov 24, 2008 @ 3:15 pm
It is now 6 days after my operation. I can almost walk around and get up and down without any pain. No longer using ice for the swelling. The stitches are still annoying, but otherwise I seem to be on the road to recovery. Going back to work tomorrow.
AG
Report this comment as inappropriate
Nov 24, 2008 @ 6:18 pm
My husband was diagnosed today with a Hydrocele and goes in a week for an ultrasound and then schedule for surgery. We do not have any medical Insurance and I haven't been able to find out anywhere about how much it costs to have everything done. Can anyone tell me a ball park figure of how much the surgery actually runs????Thank you and good luck to all of you, I know it's a painful and long recovery.
Josh
Report this comment as inappropriate
Nov 26, 2008 @ 1:01 am
Well I go in for surgery tomorrow morning and I am scared shitless. My first surgery and the general anesthesia is what scares me. I do not know what to expect really. Just scared to not wake up. I do have faith in our Canadian doctors but there is always the paranoia sitting in the back of my mind. Anyways I will keep future readers on my progress, wish me luck!

Also, am curious to know how long till I can have sex again! Gf and I have an amazing sex life that I do not want to be away from for too long :D
Ron
Report this comment as inappropriate
Nov 26, 2008 @ 10:22 pm
I had right side hydrocele, about the size of a tennis ball. Had the surgery about a month ago or so. Surgery was fine, they have nice drugs, I was in the operating room but I never saw it. My incision was horizontally which doesn't seem to have been mentioned in any of the other notes above. Recovery was fine with some vicodins, went back to work (office work) on the 3rd day after surgery. The first day back was pretty tough, but just taking it easy is the best plan.

Now, 4 or 5 weeks later the incision is healed up just fine. The testicle is still pretty large, urologist says that swelling could last up to 6 months. It doesn't really give me any trouble at this size though, it is much better than when it was at it's largest. I do seem to have the attachment to the inside of the scrotum too which isn't bad but every once in a while I feel a little pinch at that spot. If it continues or gets worse, back to the doc maybe.
Josh
Report this comment as inappropriate
Nov 27, 2008 @ 11:23 pm
Well my surgery was a success and really not all that bad! Well worth it, my right nut is now half the size it used to be. The doctor did an amazing job! The worst part for me was the annoyance of the IV lol. They however did trick me in the OR saying they were going to give me a mild sedative to get me started. Turns out it was the actual anesthesia and I was out in a matter of seconds. Last thing I told them was that they tricked me lol. I was not scared though for some reason, possibly because of this site.

I woke up laughing obviously not in the right state of mind. First thing I saw when I woke up was a guy in the bed beside me. First words were "man, feels like someone kicked me in the balls" Had everyone laughing lol.

I have very little pain due to the t3's and the swelling is minimal. I was a little sick to the stomach at first but time made that go away. I have been resting all day and using bag after bag of frozen vegetables. Finally putting them to good use. I am overwhelmed with joy knowing that I will be able to streak freely and not be embarrassed by the deformed orange that swung from side to side.

Guys, it is scary to think of surgery but really, it is a very fun experience with all the magical drugs they give you. Maybe I'm just typing this cause I feel as if I am up in the clouds. See if my opinion changes soon. Don't be scared and Get R Done!
Josh
Report this comment as inappropriate
Nov 29, 2008 @ 4:04 am
So I really need to ask! It's my second day after surgery, and the gf and I engaged in some fooling around. It really hurt since it's only been 2 days since my surgery. How long do I have to wait until I can finish the deed? Manually or with her?? Anyone know??? The pain in general today was not severe at all, only took one T3 all day and it made me right sick. I have been feeling sick all day due to these bloody pills. Oh well, another day has passed and the improvements are remarkable. Even though now I have ice on me to numb the pain.

Is it safe for me to engage in sexual pleasure?? Ill ask the doctor and let you all know I guess!

Cheers to another day lol
MBS
Report this comment as inappropriate
Dec 3, 2008 @ 8:20 pm
Several people asked about the "how long before sex" question. For me, I was ready to go about 7 days after surgery. Just waited until I had an erection and felt ready. Told the wife to "be gentle" :) Everything was fine and worked as usual. Been 15 days since the surgery now and more or less back to normal besides the gnarly scar.
Mom
Report this comment as inappropriate
Dec 8, 2008 @ 12:12 pm
My son is 16 months old and he was diagnosed with Hydrocele last night. He'll have to have a Hydrocelectomy, I'm very scared. He is my only son, and he still a baby. I am getting as much information as I can about this to help him and to make him feel better. All of these comments have given me an idea of what to expect before and after the surgery. I will come back and write how it went, hoping that it will be helpful to anyone looking for information about this like me.
Josh
Report this comment as inappropriate
Dec 8, 2008 @ 1:13 pm
Well it's been 11 days and the pain has been gone for a few days now. I haven't taken any pain pills in about 5 days! I finally was able to relieve the pressure in my bowels lol. I was able to have sex on the 8th day without any pain what so ever. Mild discomfort after but I think we were a bit too rough. The swelling is starting to slowly go down. I show everyone my bad ass scar even if they don't want to see it lol. The experience was worth it. So don't be scared and Get R Done!
Dr.Ed
Report this comment as inappropriate
Dec 13, 2008 @ 2:14 pm
Thank you. It helped me to do the surgery on one of my patients.
More pictures would help.
Don
Report this comment as inappropriate
Jan 14, 2009 @ 11:11 am
Just had the surgery completed on 1/9/08. Appreciated reading comments before I went in, so I feel obligated to leave my feedback. The surgery lasted approx. 25 minutes. I also have the horizontal incision, about 1.5 inches wide. My hydrocele was left side, about the size of a tennis ball. Day of surgery was bad, home by noon with fairly significant pain & very nauseous. I figured out the pain meds were causing the stomach issue and switched to ibruprofen on day 2. Much better 2nd day & the ibruprofen seemed to alleviate pain well. Still a little difficult to walk (and pee). Not nearly as much swelling as I expected & left side appears to be about 1/2 size it was. It's now day 6 and I'm feeling decent. Back at work on day 4, with just minor discomfort. Still moderate swelling, but I understand that may last for up to a month. I can really tell that I'm much lighter, which was my reason to get the surgery. Looking forward to a better marathon time without the additonal weight!
Chrissy
Report this comment as inappropriate
Jan 25, 2009 @ 8:20 pm
My son was born with this and was made to wait 7 years to have the surgery. So it's safe to say we're really concerned about any complications stemming from a long waiting period. He was also in a wheelchair for almost 2 weeks (completely incapable of walking without excruciating pain that the meds didn't help)
DelilaH
Report this comment as inappropriate
Jan 28, 2009 @ 9:21 pm
We just took my 9 yr old son to our GP and then to a urologist about his swollen looking testicle. He will be having the surgery during Spring Break as I'm a teacher and will also have the time off. I'm glad to have found this site and all of your comments. I'll post a follow up when we know anything. At least my mind is eased somewhat.

Chrissy - our urologist said that the Surgery is considered "elective" in children however, insurance will cover it as it is can prevent problems in the future. He told us that there was no rush to have the surgery that it will just need to be done. If you choose to not have the surgery - as they grow older into men, complications could then arise. Good LUCK to you!
Motorcyclegurl
Report this comment as inappropriate
Jan 30, 2009 @ 7:19 pm
Thank you all for your comments, good bad & ugly. The old man is going in for the surgery a week from tomorrow and we learned and laughed a lot from your comments which helped alleviate some of the apprehension most men feel when their man-parts are going under the knife.
donald
Report this comment as inappropriate
Feb 9, 2009 @ 9:09 am
i had this done & was in more pain & swelled up even more after.
this happend right after i had hernia repair
Adam
Report this comment as inappropriate
Feb 14, 2009 @ 6:06 am
Very informative guide and some eye opening comments which i enjoyed reading.

It is the day after my surgery and things are still swollen, though not quite as bad as yesterday (i think, was out of it for a good 3 hours after i was brought round). I was given a 'jock strap' to hold them up and close to my abdomen, but it doesn't seem nearly big enough considering the swelling which is about the size of my fist. Strangely, i was told by the nurse at the day unit i could take the strap off during the night, however after (carefully) removing it before bed i needed the toilet before being able to drop off to sleep. After spending 15 mins struggling i found i couldn't get it back on (and also dislodged the associated dressing which i was told to keep on for at least 24 hours).

So it was a trip back to the hospital to be manhandled back into the thing. It actually felt a relief to have to have it back on. I was told on my 2nd visit that although i've been told to keep it on for a week, i may end up taking it off after a couple of days as the swelling goes down and have been given some special undergarments which can press the dressing onto the wound (which i've been told is what its there for, along with some meld improvement to comfort, NOT for helping the swelling go down as the nurse at the day unit told me) which will last me a week. I've also been told if i take it off again (which i shouldn't do) i should leave it off and not try to get it back on. He didn't quite understand why the first nurse told me i could take it off at all.

I've been told i don't need to go back to the unit, and i never had a drain inserted (didn't know they did that until i checked this site!) and any problems i'm to see my GP. Was told just to rest it, and spend the first day in bed. Strangely, i've been signed off work for 2 full weeks, eventhough i was under the impression everything would be more or less back to normal within a week.

Pain was deathly after i got home and the morphine wore off, but even today there is already an improvement along with a slight reduction in swelling. My wound is about 2.5 inches long down the middle of my scrotom and i've been given dissolvable stiches which should be gone in 2 weeks. Only thing i'm dreading is going for a number 2. Not looking forward to it at all and scared i may do some damage.

One thing i'll add which i haven't seen in the comments, is that along with the swelling, my scrotum along with my penis are 'black and blue' along with the latter being heavily swollen too (which is strange since it was 'normal' yesterday after having the surgery.)

Good luck with anyone having theirs!
kurt25
Report this comment as inappropriate
Feb 17, 2009 @ 5:17 pm
It is almost 3 weeks after I had a hydrocelctomy performed on the left testicle. All the pain and bruising has gone by now; except for the testicle volume which is still kinda large, about 4 time the size of the right normal testicle.

Is this normal? I was thinking that after the surgery the testicle should have a normal size.
The volume seems to be slightly getting bigger and changing shape from triangular to circular.

today it s slightly feeling painful.

Please advise
Marc
Report this comment as inappropriate
Mar 5, 2009 @ 9:09 am
Felt compelled to contribute as I read this forum prior to surgery. I'm 55 and had the procedure done yesterday morning 8am on a right hydrocele that had no pain, just unsightly and uncomfortable, about the size of a baseball. I was "under" for about 40 minutes. The pain didn't start to kick-in until later in the afternoon. Best way to describe it is being kicked in the jewels and the pain never going away. Lying down and sitting - almost zero pain and am not taking pain meds (though they were prescribed). Standing and walking (I hate lying down for extended periods - am too active) - pain reduces after about ten minutes, but never completely subsides. Though pain today not as bad as last night so I hope tomorrow is better yet. I know it's early yet and plan to post here about every other day. Going in tomorrow morning to have drain removed (seems early) but it is what my urologist always does according to him. He told me to be prepared for more swelling but it is not the hydrocele coming back it is post surgery - normal. Would I do it again? The jury is still out, but most likely. I asked the urologist what is the largest hydrocele he ever worked on. He said mine was about the average and usually when men decide the uncomfort isn't worth it, but the largest he did the procedure on (no joking he said) was about as big as a grapefruit and hung down toward the guy's knee. I couldn't imagine that!

Good luck to those going in for the surgery.
Steve
Report this comment as inappropriate
Mar 12, 2009 @ 12:12 pm
Lots of good comments here. I'm 60 and have had discomfort in my left ball/groin/lower abdomen for years...sometimes feels like I got kicked in the chops. It gets worse with heavy physical exertion, I thought it was a hernia. Doc did ultrasound and CT scan, and said it's a hydrocele. Mine isn't large, just painful. Doc says simple procedure but recovery is a bitch. He also said, in about half the cases, the operation does not make the pain go away. So the decision is whether to continue living with the pain or go for the surgery and hope it makes the pain go away. The way I figure it, without surgery I have 100% chance of pain because I have it now, and with surgery at least there is a 50% chance I'll be pain free (after the recovery). Any of you guys have the procedure done because of constant pain? and did the surgery make the pain go away? Somebody tell me YES.
Thanks for reading.
Michael
Report this comment as inappropriate
Mar 15, 2009 @ 6:18 pm
I had the surgery done a week ago and the pain has gotten progressively worse. If you don't have to get the surgery, don't do it. I have had 4 other kinds of sugeries, and compared to this, the recuperation was nothing.
Doug
Report this comment as inappropriate
Mar 18, 2009 @ 12:12 pm
Today is March 18th, I had the surgery on March 5th. As of Monday the 16th, I was OK'd by my doctor to get back to the GYM to continue my cardio workouts. I do suggest the following: 1) Throw out the Jockstrap and wear snug fitting underwear. 2) Ice as often as you can, my doctor suggested 1/2 hour iced, 1 hour no ice. then repeat as often as you can stand to. 3) Stay as flat in bed as long as you can, I was asked to stay flat in bed for 4-5 days. I think the advice from my doctor for the bed rest and ice was my reasons for such a fast recovery with no issues. As I write this, The stitches are almost dissolved (more than 40) and I have minor post op swelling (which the Dr. say's should go away within 6 weeks). I am very happy with my doctors expertise and this procedure thus far. Regards Doug
Kevin
Report this comment as inappropriate
Mar 19, 2009 @ 1:13 pm
I recently received the results of my ultrasound and I have 2mm (right) and 3mm (left) cysts within the head of the epididymis and a small (right side) and moderate (left side) hydrocele. I had a laproscopic Inguinal hernia repair in April 2008 and have had pain in my lower back and groin area since the time of that repair. I was wondering if others who have had similar issues as me have had lower back pain in addition to groin pain and if any have had hernia repairs that might have contributed to this issue? I am scheduled to meet with the Urologist next week and have appreciated the information on this site to prepare me for this appointment.
BNelson
Report this comment as inappropriate
Mar 26, 2009 @ 3:15 pm
I had Hydro surgery done three weeks ago...My testicle was the size of a patatoe... Here are some before surgury recomendations....1.Shave your whole area down there, it makes for easier removal of the tape underwear "I didnt" ouch! My wife had to use the sizzors with my legs up in the air. Eat a steak dinner the by midnight the day before surgery, it will help on the hunger the next morning. Request for the anestesia after the pretty nurse cleans the area down there, the expierence will help get your monies worth. Bring jogging pancts or very loose clothing...After the surgery I would recomend the following...Get a copy of your favorite video game or tv series for the couch time. Dont get to hasty and move around to soon, it prolongs the soreness. Get non stick pads...these keep your stiches from pulling out prematurely cause they got stuck to your underwear. Get neo sporen and diaper rash cream for the inner thighs. And some extra strentgh tylonal incase the percaset makes you sick, I barfed the following morning, it sucked. Oh yeah I almost forgot, for the first few days dont fart, sneaze, burp, caugh or laugh. Trust me. Good Luck
J
Report this comment as inappropriate
Mar 28, 2009 @ 1:13 pm
I had hydro surgery last year. Since then, my erections have become painful. It's almost as if there is not enough skin to hold my erection, and my penis has become "crooked" when erect. Has anyone else noticed this? Can it be corrected? The surgery itself was a godsend - but this is awful.
J
Report this comment as inappropriate
Mar 28, 2009 @ 4:16 pm
Hi, I had a hydrocelectomy three weeks ago on my right testicle.
Two times in the past three weeks some of the fluid has come out of the incision.
The testicle is still fairly swollen three weeks later I was wondering if this was normal?
X
Report this comment as inappropriate
Mar 29, 2009 @ 11:23 pm
Sounds liek an infection? if teh incision is oozing, u better check with your dr.
good luck
Steve
Report this comment as inappropriate
Apr 1, 2009 @ 9:09 am
I consulted with a very prominent and well respected Urologist in NYC, who determined that my Hydrocele is not the cause of my discomfort (see my earlier post on 3/12/09). The condition I have is called Epididymitis http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Epididymitis
The upshot is he doesn't recommend surgery for this because the results are generally unsatisfactory. It may be something I have to live with and manage with pain meds, warm baths, etc. Said it might be urine back-flow into the sperm duct so he put me on Flomax to see if that will help 'loosen things up'. I have a follow-up appointment in 3 months.
N
Report this comment as inappropriate
Apr 3, 2009 @ 12:12 pm
hiya, I had My hydrocelectomy almost a month ago now, about 3 and half weeks, ive barely felt any pain what so ever since the operation, Im very lucky. I wore my jock strap for about 5 days, then i took it off and wore some fairly tight boxers, now everything has gone fine, apart from one thing i thought it was really bad, my stitches had dissolved but a very small area of the incision is slightly pussy and hard, it weeps sometimes in the day still but i think its becuase it is the deepest part of the incision, i saw a doctor about 2 weeks ago and it was still like this, he said everythings fine and i told him it is weeping but he said everythings fine, its decreased in size but its still about almost double the size of my left testicle, my doc said it would take abut 2 months to go back to normal plus you have to consider your skin being stretched so that has to go back to normal, any advice has anyone had this problem with a slightly yellow pusseee area??? if you have this problem i think its best to get it checked out again just in case any advice for me???

thanks good luck for you guys, it a a fairly nice operation and im greatful and feel for the guys having it :)
frank g
Report this comment as inappropriate
Apr 11, 2009 @ 1:13 pm
today is 10th of april..i had my surgury on 1/28/09. my left testicle is as large if not larger than before the surgury...it is also hard as a rock...i'm going in for am ultra sound in 2 wks to determine whether i have to go in for more surgury...has this happened to anyone?
1
Report this comment as inappropriate
Apr 12, 2009 @ 2:14 pm
Are you talking about the testicle itself, ot the scrotum, because the swelling maybe in the cords or veins and due to the reverted tunica. how big it is compared to the normal side?
ABC
Report this comment as inappropriate
Apr 12, 2009 @ 11:23 pm
Hello all! Read all the comments before my surgery and felt the need to contribute as well! Surgery was early in the morning. They took me in and hooked up the IV and wheeled me off to surgery. Drugs knocked me out quick!! Woke up and made it back home rather drowsy. No pain for about 12 hours. I was throwing up pretty bad from anesthesia (apparently this is common?). Didn't sleep great the first night. Second night was much better because of the drugs! (They are your friend). About three weeks after surgery and things have healed nicely! Almost no pain now whatsoever. Tight fitting boxers are a must. Still need to schedule my post-op check up! This was my FIRST surgery ever, and it couldn't have gone better! GET YOUR JUNK CHECKED!!!
James
Report this comment as inappropriate
Apr 24, 2009 @ 6:06 am
Hello Everyone,

I wish I had found these pages before the op (15 days ago) as the procedure was not well enough explained to me! Still, no regrets thus far.

My story: one side was the size of a small apple and was aerated twice with precious little success, the other side was starting to show signs following USscan. Into Day Sugery (eventually) and no complications and was let home early that evening.

Back to surgery (urology ward) first thing next morning as some of my sutures came apart overnight (not overly painful, just a bit bloody) and kept in til the next afternoon.

Initially my scrotum was the size of a bull's but has settled now after a couple of weeks though still larger than it should be. A little oozy as others have stated but less so daily. Bathing in sea salt has helped, though I would try to keep the wounds dry for the first week or so.

Have been signed off by the doctors for a third week. Still some discomfort sitting though not in the scrotum itself which just itches to blazes.

Things to bear in mind: we all heal at different rates, but give yourself 3 weeks to get back on your feet and longer (6-8 weeks) to "fully" recover. Stay on your back, don't overdo it - I'm watching Deep Space 9 in it's entirity, yes all 7 series, for the duration. Don't worry about oozing pus and blood too much but if the wound temperature feels hot or you are running a temperature then get it looked at immediately... they're our most prized possessions afterall.

Good luck all!
Simon
Report this comment as inappropriate
Apr 28, 2009 @ 2:14 pm
I have been diagnosed with the Hydrocele about 8 months ago. There is just a slight discomfort sometimes when in the throws of passion but tolerable. There is just a small bump on my right testicle that had me worried and thats when I went to my primary care who then preformed the Ultra Sound. She said that I should see a urologist to have it treated. Still vascilating on weather to go or just deal with it.

I am 39 years old and I am in great shape. How many of you have noticed any changes after the surgery? What made you decide to get the surgery?

Thanks
dee
Report this comment as inappropriate
May 8, 2009 @ 6:06 am
After the procedure was done 2 years ago,i have had 3 episodes of deep veain thrombosis i wonder if this has to do with the anaesthesia or the stitching. It hurts.
EOD
Report this comment as inappropriate
May 24, 2009 @ 3:15 pm
Had hydrocelectomy on Thursday(three days ago) all went well and had the drain removed Friday. Developed a real bad headache on Friday afternoon, surgeon said it was a spinal anesthesia headache.
Felt much better laying down, surgeon said rest until monday and if headache reoccurs I will have to have the anesthesia doc give me a blood patch.
So far so good no headache and wound from hydrocele healing nicely
I wii post a follow up. GOOD LUCK TO ALL
EOD
Report this comment as inappropriate
May 29, 2009 @ 9:09 am
Returned to work yesterday (7days after surgery- desk duty) and I'm feeling pretty good. A little soreness when standing but no pain at all when sitting.Wound still oozes a little each day but nothing too bad, waiting for stitches to disolve. Still pretty far off from returning to normal activity, I think it will probably be at least 4 weeks. All in all surgery was fine except for the headache from the anesthesia, and fortunately that didn't last long. Good luck to all and don't worry about having the surgery, the worrying is worse than the procedure.
D Bart
Report this comment as inappropriate
Jun 28, 2009 @ 12:12 pm
Now recovering from a hydrocelectomy... woke up after surgery... Nut hurts a bit but have used very few pain pills.... walk funny though... its just day three after surgery and walking much better... still hurts a bit but alot less than expected...Don't be afraid to get it done....
Tim H
Report this comment as inappropriate
Jun 29, 2009 @ 6:18 pm
I'm having my hydrocelectomy tomorrow . . . will report back when it's over! Thanks to all for the useful info.
daz
Report this comment as inappropriate
Jul 13, 2009 @ 10:10 am
just had this done and i am in immense pain if i knew how bad it would be i would not of gone through with it
Matt
Report this comment as inappropriate
Jul 15, 2009 @ 10:22 pm
I am 7 days into a hydrocelectomy and my testicles are very hard and my scrotum is hot to the touch. It feels like the doctor replaced my testicles with rocks. It's really horrible.
mad
Report this comment as inappropriate
Jul 17, 2009 @ 6:06 am
i also wish to have this surgery,coz it hurts. im a nursing student, but its also hard to have this so called oversized testicle.
larry rodgers
Report this comment as inappropriate
Jul 21, 2009 @ 4:16 pm
hi,this is my first time posting here,i have had a grapefruit size hydrocele on my left testical for almost two years,nothing but trouble and in the way,had to stretch all of my shirts just to cover up to keep from being notice,sex was almost impossible,the reason it took me so long to have an operation was because of all the horror stories i have read online.Maybe some people had the wrong doctor a i really don't know,but anyway,it got so big,i just had to go for it.To make a long story short i had the operation on 7-20-09 without all of the complications a lot of people say they had,thanks to the good lord.Here it is 7-21-09 doing fine,just had the drain tube removed,just a little pain not very noticible,but i know ihave had surgiry,wearing gauge and support strap.No major swelling,have pain pills but take only one a day,just about don't need them,all i have to do now is keep it clean,no lifting,pushing,pulling,no sex for a while and i will be a new man,so i advise anybody who has tis problem to get it done,and get things back to normal,you will be glad you did.
John Welch
Report this comment as inappropriate
Jul 22, 2009 @ 3:15 pm
59 and in good physical condition. A vasectomy 25 years ago apparently created the initial damage. I had a successful reversal 5 years after that, with no change in the hydrocele size. Bilateral (both sides). My scrotum has been grapefruit size for most of that time. 10 years ago urologist wouldn't do the op. 7/8/09 same urologist did op. Size had increased measureably over that time (ultrasounds both times). Two 3"+ incisions. Uncomfortable, but I wouldn't call it that painful. I used ice packs for two days, stayed off my feet (mostly). Darvocet (half dose) about 4-6 times daily for almost 1 week was fine. Turns out I had an unrelated viral fever spiking to 100.5 every day for that first week, making me feel worse, but not more painful.
After 2 weeks swelling is still about 1/2 what it was prior tothe op. Urologist stated "very difficult cleaning job on both sides". Did he finish the job, or run out of time? Seems like there's original 'hardness' left over. Since swelling can go 1 month or more, I'll give it a little time. Really not that difficult an operation. Uncomfortable yes. Wearing a jockstrap daily is uncomfortable. Pain? Hardly. To finish the task I'd go through this again.
larry
Report this comment as inappropriate
Jul 23, 2009 @ 6:06 am
third day after operation,no swelling,testicle back to normal size,a little bit sore,just enough to let me know i have had surgury,jock strap a little uncomfortable but i thank god i don't have to carry that big mass with me now. get it done guys
larry
Report this comment as inappropriate
Jul 30, 2009 @ 11:11 am
this will be my last post,10 days after surgery feeling fine,no pain,no undo swelling,incision looking good,seems to be on the right track to a sucessful healing,no more hydrocele,feel like a new man,i even wake up aroused and ready to get it on but i know i had better wait,see my doc tommorrow,hope for a good visit.All i can say is,i wished i had got it done a year ago..best of luck to all
Ken
Report this comment as inappropriate
Aug 3, 2009 @ 12:00 am
Hi there. I've had a hydrocele for the last 6 years. I didnt have it fixed then because I was concerned over the price since I had no insurance. Now, it's such an embarrassment and pain and inconvenience that I basically have no choice. I just gotta know; how much does the surgery cost without insurance? If anyone can tell me soon I'd really like to know what price I'm looking at.
Simon
Report this comment as inappropriate
Aug 5, 2009 @ 8:08 am
isit ok to ejaculate after surgery, for me it has been 10 days since surgery?
JP
Report this comment as inappropriate
Aug 9, 2009 @ 11:11 am
Ken, It seems the price was in the $1300 range. They should be able to tell you from the start.
henri
Report this comment as inappropriate
Aug 23, 2009 @ 1:01 am
Aged 60, I had the surgery in March and all comments here helped me alot. Everything went good at first, no pain no trouble, but after 2 weeks the scrotum started to enlarge again, and after one month it was the size of a grapefruit again, reddish and hard. I was sure the operation had failed. So I went back to my doc who said it was only blood swelling, and that I needed some compression to get rid of it. I had some doubts, but I bought very tight elastic jockey underwear and the famous "athletic support". It took 3 weeks to start reducing size, and now 3 months later everything is ok, back to original size. My advice: Follow all instructions carefully!
hopsosj
Report this comment as inappropriate
Aug 28, 2009 @ 1:01 am
I am a 37 year old white male and was diagnosed with a hydrocele about 4 months ago.
My left testicle was swollen to about the size of a tennis ball which I believe was caused from horseback riding. I was afraid it was testicular cancer and was very relieved when my doctor told me that my condition was annoying but not dangerous. I asked about needle aspiration and he said that it was only a temporary solution which might cause an infection. He said that I could either tolerate the discomfort or have it surgically removed. I told him I would think it over and get back with him.

After doing quite a bit of research I finally decided 3 and a half months later to go ahead with the procedure. The night before the surgery I read all of the posts on this forum and my mind was made up that this was what I needed to do. My only regret was that I had not read all of these posts much sooner.

I had my hydrocelectomy at around 9:00 am yesterday morning.
I was to report to the outpatient surgery clinic at 5:45 am for paperwork processing. Around 6:30, I was told to dress in the hospital gown, blue hairnet and hospital socks. I was asked a number of questions from allergies to medicine to previous surgeries that had occurred in my family history. The main concern of the staff was to make sure that I had no family history of negative reactions to anesthesia. I was told that I would be given a sedative consisting of Versed and Fentalyn and then would have an LMA tube placed in the back of my throat. I was glad to know that this would be used instead of an intubation tube which could have damaged my vocal cords.

20 minutes of prep. time, 45 minutes of surgery followed by 20 minutes in recovery before I awoke.

I was given an I.V. in my left arm. As my sedative started to take effect, I joked with the doctor, asking him if he had gotten plenty of sleep the night before. I drifted off to sleep and when I awoke after the surgery, I was in no pain. I was given a prescription for Lortab 10mg for pain and an antibiotic called Keflex. I have been taking the Keflex 3 times per day with meals and the Lortab every 5 hours. I had some discomfort in the suture area, intense pain in the left testicle and a dull to sharp pain in my lower left abdomen area felt very similar to the radiating pain feeling you get after being kicked in the groin.

My incision was vertical, about 2 1/2 inches long in the center of the bottom of my scrotum. Dissolvable stitches were used and surgical rubber tubing was placed at the very bottom to allow for drainage of the oozing fluid. The doctor told me that he would completely remove the tunicas vagallis (fluid sac) so that I would have no more build up of fluid around my testicle. After surgery they placed gauze over the site and supported my groin with a hospital issued jock strap that was open in the front. This made it easy for urination while still keeping my parts supported. I changed the gauze to another 3 layer thick gauze 4x4 after 24 hours. I kept changing it out every 3 or 4 hours today, noting only a small amount of blood seepage from my incision but a notable amount of yellow liquid coming from my drain tube. I have been lying on my back in bed most of the time, cautiously moving to my feet for trips to the bathroom and an occasional 5 minute walk outside to get some sunshine. I was able to take a shower this evening with no assistance and felt so much better after shaving, putting on clean clothes and changing my dressing. I go back for a follow up visit in the morning (48 hours after surgery) for the removal of the drain tube.

I must say that I am extremely please so far with this procedure. Thanks to the skills of a great surgeon, the care of my wonderful girlfriend, pain medication and my many nervous prayers by God, I believe that I am on the road to a good recovery.
hopsosj
Report this comment as inappropriate
Aug 29, 2009 @ 1:13 pm
I am a 37 year old white male and was diagnosed with a hydrocele about 4 months ago.
My left testicle was swollen to about the size of a tennis ball which I believe was caused from horseback riding. I was afraid it was testicular cancer and was very relieved when my doctor told me that my condition was annoying but not dangerous. I asked about needle aspiration and he said that it was only a temporary solution which might cause an infection. He said that I could either tolerate the discomfort or have it surgically removed. I told him I would think it over and get back with him.

After doing quite a bit of research I finally decided 3 and a half months later to go ahead with the procedure. The night before the surgery I read all of the posts on this forum and my mind was made up that this was what I needed to do. My only regret was that I had not read all of these posts much sooner.

I had my hydrocelectomy at around 9:00 am yesterday morning.
I was to report to the outpatient surgery clinic at 5:45 am for paperwork processing. Around 6:30, I was told to dress in the hospital gown, blue hairnet and hospital socks. I was asked a number of questions from allergies to medicine to previous surgeries that had occurred in my family history. The main concern of the staff was to make sure that I had no family history of negative reactions to anesthesia. I was told that I would be given a sedative consisting of Versed and Fentalyn and then would have an LMA tube placed in the back of my throat. I was glad to know that this would be used instead of an intubation tube which could have damaged my vocal cords.

20 minutes of prep. time, 45 minutes of surgery followed by 20 minutes in recovery before I awoke.

I was given an I.V. in my left arm. As my sedative started to take effect, I joked with the doctor, asking him if he had gotten plenty of sleep the night before. I drifted off to sleep and when I awoke after the surgery, I was in no pain. I was given a prescription for Lortab 10mg for pain and an antibiotic called Keflex. I have been taking the Keflex 3 times per day with meals and the Lortab every 5 hours. I had some discomfort in the suture area, intense pain in the left testicle and a dull to sharp pain in my lower left abdomen area felt very similar to the radiating pain feeling you get after being kicked in the groin.

My incision was vertical, about 2 1/2 inches long in the center of the bottom of my scrotum. Dissolvable stitches were used and surgical rubber tubing was placed at the very bottom to allow for drainage of the oozing fluid. The doctor told me that he would completely remove the tunicas vagallis (fluid sac) so that I would have no more build up of fluid around my testicle. After surgery they placed gauze over the site and supported my groin with a hospital issued jock strap that was open in the front. This made it easy for urination while still keeping my parts supported. I changed the gauze to another 3 layer thick gauze 4x4 after 24 hours. I kept changing it out every 3 or 4 hours today, noting only a small amount of blood seepage from my incision but a notable amount of yellow liquid coming from my drain tube. I have been lying on my back in bed most of the time, cautiously moving to my feet for trips to the bathroom and an occasional 5 minute walk outside to get some sunshine. I was able to take a shower this evening with no assistance and felt so much better after shaving, putting on clean clothes and changing my dressing. I go back for a follow up visit in the morning (48 hours after surgery) for the removal of the drain tube.

I must say that I am extremely please so far with this procedure. Thanks to the skills of a great surgeon, the care of my wonderful girlfriend, pain medication and my many nervous prayers by God, I believe that I am on the road to a good recovery.
Matt
Report this comment as inappropriate
Sep 6, 2009 @ 6:18 pm
Had a hydrocelectomy on aug 31st. If you are reading this and your nervous, DON'T BE!!!!!!!!! This was my first surgery, im a 22 y/o man in the US armed forces and i have control issues. Anasthesia scared me but it was great!! Surgery is cake and then you wake up and it's OVER!!! wee after surgery sucks.(gravity will not be your friend)
Paul
Report this comment as inappropriate
Sep 13, 2009 @ 7:19 pm
I am 18 years old and for four years I was terrified of the increasing size of my right testicle. It gradually increased in size from the beginning of puberty to around the size of a grapefruit before surgery. I was completely convinced it was testicular cancer and spent an awful four years hiding from the problem and trying my hardest not to notice and hiding it as best I could from my girlfriend at the time. It wasn't until the beginning of this year when i finally faced the problem and visited my GP. To my great relief and in some levels annoyance I found out it was in fact simply a hydrocele and could be easily remedied by a surgery. I waited until the 3rd of September before my surgery and was pretty nervous. Thankfully reading these comments gave me good advice on what to expect post surgery. The surgery went perfectly and I woke up 45 minutes after being knocked out in no pain whatsoever and only the grogginess of the anaesthetic to contend with. I was home an hour later feeling very little pain around the area. The next three days I recovered well only with minor pain when walking about. I even managed to engage in some minor sexual activities by the fourth day with reasonable success! The incision is pretty unsightly on close inspection but can go unnoticed for longer and is much better than the very noticeable tennis ball sized testicle that was previously hanging around. All in all I am very happy and relieved with the procedure and am looking forward to making a complete recovery and leading on the rest of my life without the horrible worry that has plagued me for the last four years.
l. rodgers
Report this comment as inappropriate
Sep 21, 2009 @ 1:13 pm
you go paul,thats what i am talking about.....get ur dun
john
Report this comment as inappropriate
Sep 21, 2009 @ 2:14 pm
Did any of you guys have pain or only swelling. I am going to to the surgery soon not only because of swelling but also because of pain. How was it afterwards? No more pain?
bertdw
Report this comment as inappropriate
Sep 22, 2009 @ 1:01 am
I just had the hydrocelectomy on Sept 21/09 around 8:00AM. Surgery went well. Woke up and felt no pain. Went home around 12:00 noon same day. Felt no pain for about 4 or 5 hours after that. Then a little sore, nothing serious, pain medication took care of it. I am able to walk around and get up and down stairs no problem. Going to the bathroom is not a problem. Bleeding is minimal... small blood spots on the gauze pads. So far so good... made the right decision to get it done. Will let you know how recovery goes.
bertdw
Report this comment as inappropriate
Sep 22, 2009 @ 1:01 am
Forgot to add to previous post that I am a 42 year old male in good health.
JR
Report this comment as inappropriate
Oct 3, 2009 @ 12:12 pm
Had mine done Thurs Oct 1 and everything went well. Had it for 10 years or more.
No Pain! A little swelling. No problem walking or getting up the stairs. Feeling very well two days later.
Sk
Report this comment as inappropriate
Oct 9, 2009 @ 8:08 am
I have a son who is 8 years old. He has been diagnosed as a having a hydrocele on the left side. We have seen a pediatric urologist and a general urologist. They both gave us the same diagnosis and recommended surgery. We have another appt next week with a pediatric urologist at Duke University Medical Center for one last opinion. We are just very apprehensive about this surgery. Most of these testimonies are from adults. Were any of you aware of having this condition as a child? Are there any parents out there that have been through this with their children. If so, what was your experience like and what are your recommendations? Thanks... from a concerned parent that is trying to do the right thing!
Daniel
Report this comment as inappropriate
Oct 10, 2009 @ 3:03 am
i just had my hydrocele removed a week ago. i had it on my left side and it had become the size of an apple. right now its back to normal size but theres still some soreness and im out of pain pills, i can barely sit down because its pretty tender. i explained to the doctor that it feels sore in an odd way but he didnt seem to care. oh well ill wait it out.
Mario
Report this comment as inappropriate
Oct 15, 2009 @ 8:20 pm
It's been 1 day since my hydrolectomy(L). Before I agreed to the surgery my left testicle was the size of an orange. I tried to postpone due to the fear I had of the assumed pain. Unfortunately, there is no other alternative.I am so glad I went through with it. Of course when you go under you dont feel a thing. The surgery is a 30-45 min surgery. Surgeons learn hydrolectomies in the 2nd year of internship. It's a very simple proecedure. Once you wake up and 4 hrs later you dont feel pain becuase the drugs are still working. After that, pain meds and bag of ice are your best friends. Dont try and be a super hero and reject the pain meds; they're prescribed for a reason. I tried to not take pain meds this AM when I woke up; it felt like somebody kicked me in the gnads. It is tolerable though with pain meds. I am so glad its over with and you will be too. Dont procrastinate like I did. The procedure is not half as bad as our wicked minds makes it out to be. I will repost on day 3 on my recovery.
Mario
Report this comment as inappropriate
Oct 18, 2009 @ 10:22 pm
Its been 72 hrs since my hedrolectomy(L). The 3rd day is the charm. The pain level is 50%-60% gone. Everyday that goes by gets better. I am completely off my pain meds and I'm walking alot better. Results may vary. I came into the surgery with a large scrotum and little to no pain. My scrotum is still swollen and seems the more I walk the more swollen it gets. The key is to stay off your feet as much as possible, do nothing, and just heal. I do apply ice once every 3 hrs for 20 mins. It helps the swelling. I hope this info has helps your decision making. Feel free to ask questions.
bertdw
Report this comment as inappropriate
Oct 23, 2009 @ 6:18 pm
Had the surgery on Sept 21/09 as stated in my previous message. On the second day there was some swelling which I expected to happen. By the fourth day the incision was starting to drain a lot of fluid and there was a bad odor to it. This led me to believe that I had an infection. Around day 5 I was experiencing a lot of pain only while standing and the pain meds were not really helping. Sitting or lying down was not too bad. By day 7, my stitches had come undone leaving a fairly large open wound on my scrotum and there was a lot of pus in the wound. I was pretty worried by this time so I went to emergency and they had an on call urologist look at it. He said I had an infection and gave me some antibiotics. The doc said there was no point in re-stitching the wound because it was infected. He said it would close up eventually. At that point I began to aggressively clean the wound 2 or 3 times per day using a spray bottle with saline solution which I made myself (distilled water and salt). I continued to take the antibiotics for the next 10 days and kept the wound covered with gauze at all times. By day 19, the infection had cleared up pretty good and there was no swelling and I was starting to feel a lot better. No real pain to speak of. It's now been 32 days and the wound is healing up nicely, probably another week or 2 and it should be completely healed. My experience was not pleasant but I am glad I had it done.
ROYAL PHILLIPS
Report this comment as inappropriate
Oct 26, 2009 @ 6:18 pm
DURING HYDROCELE SURGERY, DO THEY COVER PENIS AREA WITH TOWEL OR YOU LAID OUT ON TABLE FOR WHOLE WORLD TO SEE?
mybook
Report this comment as inappropriate
Oct 27, 2009 @ 11:11 am
Besides the Dr and Nurses, Who is in there with you?
You want your Dr to see what he is doing don't you?
Don't worry about it. Get it done. Mine's healing quite well now 4 weeks out.
Jim Ferner
Report this comment as inappropriate
Nov 5, 2009 @ 12:12 pm
I had the surgery two weeks ago. Things were pretty good for the first week, some swelling which I expected to go down. By the second week follow-up, fluid had accumulated to the point where the size of my scrotum was as big or bigger that before the surgery. The current advice is to give it a few weeks to see if the fluid accumulation goes down. There is a distinct possibility according to the Doctor, that the surgery will have to be repeated. Luckily, the incision healed well and I have no pain, other than discomfort when things rub against the scar tissue of the incision. Still wearing the athletic supporter, primarily to prevent chafing. Will see how things go for a few days. If the swelling goes down - good. If it does not go down or gets bigger, we will have to do something.
Randy
Report this comment as inappropriate
Nov 10, 2009 @ 3:15 pm
I had a hydrocell removed Oct 14 th and am still recovering from it .It was located left side and size of a apple up to a softball. I had been dealing with this over 3 yrs but last spring it went into overdrive. I waited 6 mos too see speciast but was operated on 30 days later. I was told I could go back to work in 3.5 weeks but as my job is quite physical there is no way yet. it is healing nicely but the first couple of weeks were really sore. I had a fair amount of swelling so ice was my buddy. the swelling is down now but I know when I have over worked myself. the big thing is when to have sex again,all the articles say wait 30 days but it still seems a little tender to gop the distance. all in all much better off now
ron
Report this comment as inappropriate
Nov 11, 2009 @ 5:17 pm
Hey I am going for a hydrocelectomy tomorrow and I was fine until today. I am very nervous even though I was told i will be asleep the whole time. Hopefully I culd have the same luck as alot of you guys and not have to much pain. I was told I culd go back to work in a week. Luckily my job doesn't require lifting, but i wont be able to pickup my son for at least 2 weeks i was told. Wish me luck
F.C.
Report this comment as inappropriate
Nov 16, 2009 @ 9:09 am
A very informative site. I wish I had found it before my surgery. I am 77 years old and have lived with a very uncomfortable hydrocele, for over 6 years, which grew to softball size. Finally had the surgery last week and with my results, I am sorry I waited so long. It has been 3 days since the surgery. Has been uncomfortable but Pain was minimal with no blood and slight fluid discharge. Have applied ice pack frequently and swelling is gradually going down. I would recommend to anyone having an uncomfortable hydrocele.
shai
Report this comment as inappropriate
Dec 9, 2009 @ 7:19 pm
Is anyone w/ hydrocelectomy has had problem having children after surgery?
Eric
Report this comment as inappropriate
Dec 12, 2009 @ 10:22 pm
I was diagnosed with a hydrocele of the right testical about a month ago. The hydrocele was about the size of a pear and caused frequent discomfort and occasional pain. I am 24 years old and am in good health. I had my hydrocelectomy on December 10, 2009 in a Chicago hospital. It is now the evening of December 12, 2009, just about two full days after surgery.

All medical personnel who saw my hydrocele, including my family doctor, urologist, and the woman who did my ultrasound agreed that the a hydrocelectomy was necessary. I scheduled an appointment for surgery and was moderately anxious.

On the day of surgery I was asked to change into a hospital gown and was given an IV almost immediately. After filling out paper work, I was wheeled into the surgery room, given anesthesia, and fell asleep quickly. I woke up with minor pain around my right testical. I was released from the hospital soon after showing the nurse I was able to eat and go to the bathroom.

The pain worsened later in the evening, probably because the anesthesia finally wore off. I took one of my pain pills, Tylenol 3 with codeine, and went to sleep for the evening. The next day, I had minor pain while laying down, but severe pain when standing or walking. Therefore, I spent all day in bed, but opted not to take a pain pill since I was relatively comfortable while laying down.

Today was basically the same. I have noticed that pain is less severe when standing and walking, but is still very uncomfortable. Bleeding along the incision, which is about 2 1/2 inches, has almost entirely stopped. A runny brown fluid does secrete from the drainage tube which is near my anus and will be removed in four days.

Advice -- (1) Plan for good amount of time to recover. I feel that my doctor led me to believe the best case scenario, which is also unlikely, saying I may be able to return to work after four days of recovery. My job requires a lot of standing, walking, and minor lifting, so I am saddened to have to tell my employers I will be missing much more work than planned. (2) Lay down and rest as much as possible, keep the jock strap on, and ice! This helps with healing and swelling. (3) Plan for someone to help you. I live alone and am lucky to have a great friend, as degrading as it is, help me with things like getting me ice, answering the door when I order food, etc. The less I have to stand up -- the better my day.

I'll write more about my experience in the days to come. Overall, I'm happy I had the surgery and look forward to healing. This is my first surgery and I would be lying if I said it was a good experience -- it's been tough and I look forward to getting back to a normal life.
John
Report this comment as inappropriate
Dec 14, 2009 @ 2:14 pm
@Eric

Great read. Please keep us posted on your recovery. I am going in next Monday for Hydrocelectomy, wondering what to expect afterwards!
Les
Report this comment as inappropriate
Dec 15, 2009 @ 8:08 am
I am 59 years old had the surgery on December 4 and am very happy with the results. First let me say I had procrastinated doing this for about 4-5 years, in the meantime my left testicle had grown to the size of a pineapple and I couldn't get an erection. I didn't do the surgery because of fear and because there was no pain...I even came within 2 days of doing the surgery a year ago then panicked. Well in the last few months my attitude changed, I was hating the uncomfortableness and the fact that sex was out of the question. I also did alot of research on the surgery and reading of others experiences on this site which was VERY helpful and calming. Anyway on November 23 I went to the urologist(who commented it was the biggest one he's seen in 28 years of practice lol)and scheduled the surgery for December 4. I actually looked forward to it because this was going to change my outlook on life. I went into the outpatient center not at all nervous, the surgery was like flipping the remote on the TV, one second I was asking the anestesiologist a question, the next second I was in the recovery room..had no pain, no swelling, and felt fantastic, my cousin doctor drove me home, I ate lunch, then lied down. The only major problem I had was that the doctor left a tube in my sac and alot of blood drained which I wasn't really prepared for. My bathroom was a mess until I took the doctors advice and had my friend bring me female sanitary pads and a second jockstrap...so once I got the routine down of changing the pad 2-3 times a day things improved. I probably overdid it the first day with too many friends visiting etc., so days 2-3 & 4 I basically just chilled in bed. Still no real pain, no swelling, took the percussetes which were prescribed mainly to relax. I work at home so was back in my office for duty on day 5. Also able to drive by day 5. Yesterday the doctor removed the tube thank god, still using the pads and jockstrap for support, hopefully my visit to him next Monday will be the last time. Am going to Las Vegas for New Years and planning on using my new found genitalia at that time lol. My advice to anyone who is on the fence is DO IT DO IT DO IT. My doctor is the best I'll be glad to recommend him to anyone who writes(I'm in South Florida). Thanks so much to all of you who posted on here,your experiences have really helped change my life.
BB
Report this comment as inappropriate
Dec 17, 2009 @ 6:06 am
Has been three days after my surgery and things are going good. My hydrocele was the size of a grapefruit and had it for 3 years. My question is and hope someone can help me with this is with the excess streching of the skin in your scrotum will it ever go back to normal?
C
Report this comment as inappropriate
Dec 23, 2009 @ 1:01 am
I had my hydrocelectomy December 21. I went into the hospital at 7.15am fairly nervous. I was scheduled for an 8.30am surgery. I was brought into my room and had to undress right away and change into a hospial gown. Then I was given an IV. I had the surgery with a spinal anaesthesia so I was fairly awake during surgery. I listenend to some music though. I did not feel anything at all. After about 30 minutes the surgery was over and I was brought back to my room. Until I was feeling my legs again it took maybe 2 more hours. I had minor pain while laying but severe pain while standing or walking. I remained in the hospital for one night and was released the next day. The first night was awful since you can only lay on your back and can`t move to much. Back at home I spent almost all day in bed too. Now it is 48 hours after surgery and thing are slowly going better. Swelling and pain are moderate but I would suggest to take your prescribed pills and ice every couple of hours. I had a drainage tube the first night which was removed the next morning. I am going to report back in a couple of days. Merry Christmas!
ananga
Report this comment as inappropriate
Dec 25, 2009 @ 8:08 am
On 30 Nov. 2009 (just two days after my 40th birth day) my left testacle was too painful and swollen (size of a mango fruit). I was then diagnosed with epididymitis, was admitted for four days, put on anti-biotics before being discharged with reduced pain but increased swelling of my left testacle.I decided to consult a urologist who diagnosed me with hydrocele on 16th Dec. 2009. I was booked for hydrocelectomy on 18th. Dec 2009 at 1.00pm.

Reaching the hospital I was ushered into the ward where I was counselled, asked anumber of questions before being given "theatre pant and coat". I was so nervours. Within 45 minutes I was interacting with two surgeons and four assistants as they explained to me every part of the procedure. The last word I heard before the procedure came from one of the surgeons who called me by name and said "please sleep well" as they put me under general anaesthesia. I'm tolt the procedure took 30 minutes as I woke up 1hr 30 mins later. I spent one night in the ward before being dischared the following day 19th Dec. Pain was very intense the first and second days. Today is exactly one week after the operation, the pain is very minimal, my left ball reduced drastically and now I walk rormally although within the compund. I'm still taking my antibiotics and pain killers as I dont want to take chances. I think what has enhanced my quick recovery is that I deceided to take full (I mean) TOTAL BED REST-NO MOVEMENT EXCEPT when visiting the wash room. I'm still indoors but When I look at it I love it as it looks too impressive. Atleast I took off that extra load. My libido also seems to have shot up from the look of things an any SMS or phone call from my wife makes my penis wake up from its previous slumber. It behaves with an unusual aggresion I haven't witnessed in the recent past. I can't wait to test it after two weeks.
For those with hydrocele please go for the procedure as you stand to gain from it. The whole process is painless as you will be put under the right conditions. I'm happy I went for it.
Mike
Report this comment as inappropriate
Jan 1, 2010 @ 9:21 pm
I'm 17 years old and I've had a left hydrocele for about 3 years (ever since puberty). When I decided to talk to the Urologist about my problem, he insisted that we should operate on it.

I did a lot of research on the internet and made sure that it was the right decision. One of my main reasons for getting it fixed, besides the discomfort, is that I had a large bulge in my pants. I could not let my penis hang normally like everyone else. I had to put it in the waist band at all times, so that people wouldn't think I was walking around with an erection. This was very embarrassing for me and it was very annoying. Does anyone else have these problems? I'd appreciate the response.

Anyways, I got the hydrocelectomy done on December, 29. The surgery was the same as everyone else that has posted on here. The first day home from surgery was not very fun. I layed in bed all day with an ice pack. It was also very hard to sleep that night due to the limited movement and pain.

The morning of the day after surgery (Dec. 30), I removed the tape dressing. It was a little painfull due to some hair pulling. When I first saw the incision, I thought it looked pretty bad. It was kind of red and irritated. I also had a lot of blood on the first gauze pad from surgery. So after a shower, I put on a jock strap and tight underwear. By the way I did not use any painkillers besides Tylenol every 4 hours.

I'm now on the 3rd day after surgery and I feel a lot better every day. I'm able to walk around and move a little more. I walk kind of funny though since my testical is very sensitive. I'm hoping I can walk normal by January 6 since I have to return to school.

My Urologist said I can start lifting weights again about 2 weeks after surgery. I don't know if that will be possible. I'm hoping I will be well recovered soon. I have a Post-Op Appointment on January 11. I'm really hoping I don't have any complications like some other people's posts. I also would like to see the swelling go down and the stitches to start looking better.

If you have any questions about my operation or experience just ask. I'll be checking back on here for the next few days. Wish me luck!
Mike
Report this comment as inappropriate
Jan 4, 2010 @ 10:10 am
It's now been almost a week after surgery and I'm feeling a lot better. My incision has almost stopped bleeding at all. I can walk normal again with minimal pain. I still have some swelling though. I hope it will go down soon.

Doctors appointment in a week. I'll probably post again then
CodyCO
Report this comment as inappropriate
Jan 15, 2010 @ 10:10 am
hey whatsup i had a hydrocelectomy on 1/14/2010. it is the day after and all i can say is this is not fun at all! i can barely walk ive been in bed since ive got home. and was up all night in pain and trying to get comfortable. i changed the gauze and applied triple antiobotic ointment this morning and there was very minimal bleeding from the incision. however they did give me hydrocodones the strongest available and it does help but the more of them i take for the pain the sicker i get. so either way it just sucks. i know in about a week it will be feeling alot better and when im completely healed i will look back and it will be worth it. i will be posting another after my dr appoinment in about a week.
CodyCO
Report this comment as inappropriate
Jan 16, 2010 @ 9:09 am
hey it is now day 3. i woke up feeling much better than day 1 and 2. i was able to walk around without it being unbearable. i also was able to take a sh** which made me feel way better to get that pressure relieved.i heard day 4 is even better so hopefully its uphill from here. also im 19 and about as healthy and fit as you can get. the week before surgery i made sure i took vitamins and ate really healthy so my body would be really healthy to make the recovery quicker. im still appplying the triple antiobodic ointment twice a day. the wound isint bleeding or oozing anything as others have mentioned. im still a little swollen but ice packs are helping that. and the pain has dramatically gone down since day 1. im now only taking half of a hydrocodone10 every 6 or 7 hours.
Jim
Report this comment as inappropriate
Jan 18, 2010 @ 2:14 pm
Had surgery on a Friday, stayed on the couch for 2 days with ice. Only took ibuprofin occasionally for a little discomfort (mostly from the tape pulling my skin). Today is Monday, I am moving around the house normally, very little swelling. However I am very black and blue. Planning on returning to work on Wednesday. No longer wearing the JockStrap. Keeping the incision covered with gauze and wearing briefs. I am 40 years old and in average condition. I have had the condition for over 7 years. It has not been uncomfortable until the last 6 months, I was running out of streachable skin.
CodyCo
Report this comment as inappropriate
Jan 31, 2010 @ 4:16 pm
hey it is now a little over two weeks since the surgery and im doing much better. the incison is still nasty looking and a little sore if the stiches rub again my boxers. the best advice i could give would be.. always have a ice pack and pain meds on hand. and if you have someone who can get you things you need instead of having to get up thats great 2. it was a miserable 2 weeks just because i hate not being able to not do anything and just had to stay at the house the whole time. there is still some swelling which im guessing will go down over the next month or so.. but hopefully after the swelling goes down i should be back to normal other than this gnarley scar i will have. it sure beats an embarrising oversized testicle i had though. good luck to you guys having the surgery. its worth it in the long run!
Report this comment as inappropriate
Feb 6, 2010 @ 4:16 pm
I posted about a month ago on my hydrocelectomy. I had my operation on 12/28. I'm almost at a full recovery. At the Post Op appointment they said everything was looking good. All of the swelling has gone away. I still have a mark where the incision is. It's not completely healed yet. I still have some extra skin on my scrotum. Will the skin ever be normal again?
Report this comment as inappropriate
Feb 27, 2010 @ 6:06 am
Had op on the Wednesday 24th Feb...

First two days in bed - try to walk around as little as possible and stay on those pain killers during that period. Mind you don't get addicted though! I'm currently on Codydramol and Paracetamol. 10/500mg. Was given a pressure dressing and scrotal support (jock strap). Make sure you drink plenty of H2O, eat healthy salads and plenty of protein.

Day 3- More movement now. Can walk and stand up for longer. I tried to remove the padding this morning to have a shower, but I starting bleeding all over the place. This is expected but perhaps its not ready to be removed. I put the pressure dressing back and am going to leave it for one more day before venturing into the shower.

This is my third op on testes in 15 year. First op at 15 then trauma at 19 set it off again. Now I'm 32 so I'm really praying this is the last one. Great to read everybody's thoughts, because its pretty bad on your own. Thank God the Olympics is on!
Report this comment as inappropriate
Mar 1, 2010 @ 10:10 am
Follow up...1st March.

Managed to change dressing this morning (Sunday) but then had pains in my penis.
I discovered blood in urine and had to be re-admitted to Hospital.

Doc checked my prostate (not for the faint-hearted) and notice swelling around testes. Reckoned I had a infection and prescibed two sets of antibiotics plus diclofenac to ease pain.

So, spent the night with aches and pains and fever. Waiting for the antibiotics to kick in.
Monday - feeling better. Still mild fever and aches, but seems to be on the mend.

Make if you get any abnormal aches in kidneys, blood in urine or fever symptoms that you get straight back to hospital. Oh, and get plenty of DVDs in.
Doug in Missouri
Report this comment as inappropriate
Mar 14, 2010 @ 11:11 am
I just had hydrocele surgery on March 8. I've been reading all the posts, preparing for the worst and hoping for the best. Had I not had an unrelated complication (undetected heart issue) I would have been back to work on March 10. This was way easier than my vasectomy. No pain pills needed. Yes it hurt a little for about 24 hours but once I got that jock strap and extra padding out things settled right down. I was able to sleep on my side with my legs together that first night. Worst part was they weren't able to use normal stitches due to suddenly unexpected heart issue so to speed up the surgery they used staples. Surgery lasted less than an hour and had I not the heart thing I would have been home by lunch. Don't wait, get if fixed. Mine was the size of a tennis ball and my clothes fit better already. For laughs take before and after shots. You'll be amazed. I didn't realize how big I had gotten over the years. BTW I'm a white male, 45yoa, non-smoker, desk pusher that works out regularly.
Report this comment as inappropriate
Mar 26, 2010 @ 4:16 pm
I had my hydrocelectomy on Dec 18th. I read these comments before and some of them had me a little worried about it and some were comforting. I told myself that I would come back and post my experience.

My repair has went almost perfectly. I only took one of the pain pills. I iced it a lot. I mean constantly. I mostly used a bag of frozen corn. I also used those blue gel ice packs. The worst part about mine was the irritation from the incision and the stitches. It drove me crazy for about 24 hrs and then kind of subsided a bit. It took about a week before it didn't really bother me anymore.

My follow up went well. I didn't have much post op swelling and it is still gradually getting smaller. It is still a little tender and as I read here it seems like the testical has sort of attached itself to the inside of the sack. I asked my doctor before the surgery and he said it may happen and it was normal. He said it would not be as mobile as before because it doesn't have any fluid to move around in.

I am so glad that I had it done. I would encourage others to have this done. Thanks to the many that have posted here.
Report this comment as inappropriate
Apr 1, 2010 @ 6:06 am
had hydrocele correction 0n tues 30th march.everything seems ok so far.a bit of swelling and seepage from the stitches.a little pain but nothing to severe.had a shower on wednesday morning and felt a bit faint but i think that was due to the general anisthetic.before the op it was the size of a goose egg,hopefully once swelling is down it will br its normal size again first time for about 6 years.let u know how i get on.au the best.
Curtis
Report this comment as inappropriate
Apr 6, 2010 @ 4:16 pm
I had a hydrocelectomy Feb 19 2010. My left ball was the size of a softball pre-op. Recovery was fairly speedy with assistance from pain medication! So that is it, all is fine and better now right? Wrong! I noticed the end of last week my ball was starting to increase in size. Too long after surgery for the standard swelling. Luckily I know that it is growing again and I have scheduled an appt. with my urologist for tomorrow. I have learned that they can be recurrent, so I will find out if I am going under the knife again. I can tell you this time it hurts worse because the area that was stitched is still fairly tender and the ball is expanding and pushing on it. I can only pray that it is taken care of this time.
Report this comment as inappropriate
Apr 8, 2010 @ 1:01 am
8th april 9 days since op.sore and swollen seeminglay have a haematoma,blood clots,sore stomach this is caused by the spermatic cord getting streched by the weight of scrotum which in turn is very uncmfortable and makes u feel sick.signedof work for another 2 weeks.cant wait to pain is away.taking arnica to try reduce swelling and bruising see if this works.
Report this comment as inappropriate
Apr 13, 2010 @ 7:19 pm
My operation takes place tomorrow, about 12 hours from now. Thanks to everyone who took time to share your experiences. It has been very helpful and reassuring to know what some of you have experienced, and I hope within a couple of days I'll be able to share my recovery situation with you.
Report this comment as inappropriate
Apr 18, 2010 @ 4:16 pm
I had my surgery on April 14th, out of recovery and hospital at 8:30pm that night and have not had to take any pain meds since 5:30am the next morning (15th). I had it for the left side, and my was the size of a baseball. It is now the 18th and I haven't had any major problems. I'm driving, going places (church, work etc -- of course my job is an office job though) and little to no swelling. The main things I've done is keep ice on when I'm sitting watching TV or whatever and I bought the underwear briefs with the atlethic support. This helps hold everything in place and not pull on anything while you are standing and walking. I am sore but again, the underwear makes all the difference. You can buy them at select sporting goods stores for about $11 for each one. Hope this helps. I will post updates as I go further along.
Report this comment as inappropriate
Apr 20, 2010 @ 4:16 pm
I'm scheduled for a hydrocelectomy tomorrow (Wednesday, 4/21/2010); I will have an inguinal hernia fixed at the same time. I have a slight hydrocele on the right testicle, and a much larger one (orange sized) on the left. Two doctors will team up for my surgery; the one who specializes in hernia repair will take care of that part first-the hernia is on the right side in the groin area. Then, the other doctor will use that incision to fix the smaller hydrocele on the right. He will then make an incision in the scrotum to remove the larger hydrocele on the left. I've read all the posts here, and I hope mine goes as well as some I've read about. I'm 58, in otherwise good health, and have had this problem for several years, so I'm nervous but glad to be finally getting everything put back in order. I'll post again after a couple of days on how things went.
garth
Report this comment as inappropriate
Apr 20, 2010 @ 6:18 pm
Hi everyone, I'm glad this is over with and now I am continuing to recover. I'm not sure how much age factors in to hydrocelectomy, but I'm 69 and the surgery was a breeze. Surgery began something after 9:00 am last Wednesday (April 14) and I was home soon after 12 Noon. My recovery continued well for the next couple of days and I am relatively pain-free now, except where it catches now and then.

I think my surgeon must have done a lot of tugging and pulling at one spot, because that spot has been consistently sore. The surgeon said he pulled off a bit more than 600 CCs of fluid, so it was not a small item. The only real problem I'm having now (a week later) is that I still feel some nausea. The nausea may be because of the anesthetic, but it feels like the pain a man or a boy would have after he gets kicked between the legs or gets hit with a ball - happens to everyone I guess, but I had fortunately forgotten what that feels like, until now. Anti-nausea pills help that pain. The drain was there until yesterday (I went in to have it removed on Friday and they said it was still draining too much, so I went back yesterday and had it removed.

All in all, I am glad to have this behind me. I have no idea what may have caused it, but it had been bothering me for about 2 years, and got gradually worse until it reached "the tipping point" and something had to be done.

"Mike E.", best wishes tomorrow - I hope your hospital staff are as wonderful as mine turned out to be. They were thoughtful, pleasant, helpful and considerate in every way.
Report this comment as inappropriate
Apr 20, 2010 @ 9:21 pm
well, my days continue to get better and better, still pretty sore though and have noticed a spot or two of blood from the cut area, but nothing major(I had hydrolectomy on left side on April 14th. Forgot to mention I am 39, almost 40 years old in my first post. Still applying ice when I over do it, which is alot with me. I'm not the type of person to sit down, I'm always on the go. Mike E, good luck tomorrow, hope everything goes well for you. I will check in again in a few days. I'm suppose to get my stitches out this Thursday(22nd).
Report this comment as inappropriate
Apr 21, 2010 @ 5:17 pm
Well, I had my surgeries today (post 145 above) and everything went well. I arrived at 9:00 a.m., was prepped and given a fluid IV, and relaxed for an hour and a half while my doctors, anesthesiologist, surgical nurses, etc., all came in to talk about what would take place.

At around 10:45, I walked down to the OR, climbed up on the table, got comfortable (nice fold-out armrests on the table), and a few seconds later, I was out. I woke up in the recovery room after what seemed like a few seconds, but was actually about 3 hours. The actual surgeries took about 1 hour and 20 minutes, I was told.

After a half an hour, I was wheeled back to where my girlfriend was waiting for me (a longer day for her than me, I think), and the doctors stopped in to check on me. As the anesthesia (I chose general) wore off, I noticed some pain in the hernia area, none in the scrotum. More pronounced when in transition from lying to sitting to standing, etc., but not as bad as I thought.

I was given the jock strap, and some soft material that fits inside called 'scrotal fluff.' Dissolving tape over the incisions is covered by 4 inch gauze pads. A drain was not put in, so I don't have to worry about going back to have that removed. I had to show the nurse I was able to urinate; no problem there, but it took awhile to get started, I think, due to the area just being a bit numb. I got dressed, and was wheeled out to my girlfriend's car around 3:30. I got prescriptions for 800mg ibuprofen, (3 times a day with food), a generic 500mg Vicodin (Hydrocodone), to be used if needed for pain, one every four hours.

I've been home how for a few hours, taken an ibuprofen, and have a bag of frozen corn on the area; not much pain and no problems yet--we'll see what happens when general numbness goes away later tonight. Scrotal area is totally pain free right now--I'm expecting that to change, but so far so good.

Instructions are to wear the jock for two weeks, keep the fluff in for only a couple of days, and remove the dressings day after tomorrow and take a shower. I have follow up appointments after 1 and 2 weeks with my 2 doctors.

Hopefully all these details will help someone who's awaiting having this done; I'll post again in a couple of days with a progress report.
Report this comment as inappropriate
May 3, 2010 @ 1:13 pm
I had hydrcelectomy 8 days ago for the second time. The first one was performed 16 years ago.
My question is when I can resume my sexual activity, the doctorgives me 3 week sick leave and I shall avoid any heavy lifting. What do you thinl...I am recovering at home...
Anastas
Report this comment as inappropriate
May 3, 2010 @ 6:18 pm
I seem to be recovering pretty well, going on two weeks since my surgeries (posts 145 and 149 above). I never had much pain or swelling, except in the area where my inguinal hernia (done at the same time as the hydroceles) was fixed. Still a bit sore and swollen there, but I've been out walking a couple of miles a day, and otherwise feeling pretty good.

I went back to see the hernia surgeon last week, and he told me everything looked good; I need to stay away from lifting, golf, etc., for a couple of weeks yet, but otherwise, I'm working, driving, and off of all medications.

I will see the other surgeon who did the hydrocelectomies in a few days, and I will have one question for him; maybe someone here has had the same experience. My left testicle is now normal in size, and hanging correctly; the right side of the scrotum, however, where the smaller hydrocele was, is just loose skin, and the right testicle is up very high, right below the groin area. Sometimes it even seems to be partially up inside the groin. There is no pain, and it, like the left one, seems normal sized. This is the same side where the hernia was fixed, just an inch or so above.

I'm hoping this is normal, and that the testicle will eventually drop somewhat lower. Could this be caused by swelling in the hernia area above? Was the right testicle this high previously, being held up there by the hydrocele below it? Or is the hernia swelling possibly causing the spermatic cord to be holding the testicle up higher than normal? I seem to remember reading somewhere about someone having this happen and I think they said it took a few weeks to drop down to normal; I hope that happens with me, but as I said, absolutely no pain or discomfort there.

Has anyone else experienced this? I'd appreciate some reassurance. Thanks.
Report this comment as inappropriate
May 9, 2010 @ 4:04 am
151 posts, some good, some scary! I'm still none the wiser of the cause (and therefore prevention) of hydrocele.
I'm in the Philippines, tomorrow at 7am I undergo spinal anaesthesia (no breathing complications) for lhs hydrocele. It seems ice is important, along with extensive bed rest. I hope I don't need a draintube fitted (didn't know about these until I found this blog).
I'm encouraged by your posts, thanks gents.
Cost of my surgery is estimated at U$1500-1800, cash.
My hydrocele is extending up towards my belly, an avacado shaped swelling, fairly hard, taught. I shall be eating plenty of avo's afterwards, they cost about 10 cents here!
Wish me luck.
Report this comment as inappropriate
May 9, 2010 @ 4:16 pm
Had my hydrolele repair two weeks ago seemed okay at first apart from looking beaten up the it improved for awhile but then the swelling got really bad ,untill it looked like one big hard grape fruit walking even a little bit made it swell much worse. Went back to the urologist who drained 200ml of pinkish fluid from it(and it went back to nearly the normal size) he said would test the fluid to see if the blood flow is getting to the testicle,Five days later it is one big grape fruit again going back to specialist today may need draining again yeeeha !.Im over it starting to regret getting it done ,should of just cut the bloody things off.
Big Nutter
Report this comment as inappropriate
May 11, 2010 @ 1:13 pm
PART I

Hi everyone, 32 yo male here, married, doctor, one child so far (geez, this is turning out to be a personals ad), had surgery last Thursday (May 6, 2010) for a complicated hydrocele/spermatocele/juicy thick-walled everything-cele, and thought I would write a bit about my experience. I've REALLY been enjoying your responses along the way. Comfort and smiles while I’m laying here in bed chillin’ with my ice pack. They should have chat rooms for this.

THE SITUATION. I had a vericosectomy about 10 years ago. Basically a coil of spaghetti noodles at the bottom of my left nut about the size of a lemon. Surgeon went in on my belt line, and snip, snip, problem solved (for a little while anyway). About 5 years ago, I noticed that my left nut was starting to get a bit bigger, and about 2 years ago it was big enough (the size of a small orange, not quite one of those California navels YET) that I had to do something about it. Had two sonograms, and both revealed a healthy testicle caught up in NUMEROUS thick-walled cysts. The urologist agreed to try and aspirate (drain it), but warned it would be tough to do since I had so many pockets of fluid, AND the fluid would likely come back. What have I got to lose, I thought? Drain, baby drain! So, he went in with a big, sharp straw-like needle (ok dramatic effect here, not a milkshake straw, more like a juicebox straw) and took out about 40CCs from one pocket. But when he tried another pocket, he had problems getting the needle in, and when he did, he got some nasty pus-like fluid. End of story. Time to operate. BTW, fluid came back about 3 days later.

THE SURGERY. My urologist expected 45 minutes to remove the lil’ citrus fruit, but it ended up taking him a little over an hour and half. Said it was like peeling back layers of an onion, and described all of the tissue he removed as being about the surface area of my chest (I’m 6’5 and 250lbs) and once he got to the center (which took him about an hour!), he was able to drain and snip out the beast in about 5 mins.
Big Nutter
Report this comment as inappropriate
May 11, 2010 @ 2:14 pm
RECOVERY. Urologist left the drain in until yesterday (4 days), since a healthy amount of pink/yellow fluid was still trickling out onto the pads. Virtually no pain as long as I am lying on my back in bed (Thank you Netflix Play it Now movies!), but plenty of pain and swelling if I get up and walk around or even just sit up for a bit. The swelling has subsided significantly here on day 5, but I still ice frequently (mostly because it just feels nice under the warm covers). Virtually no pain when I'm on my back in bed.

TIPS FOR THOSE IN RECOVERY.
1. Buy some thick menstrual pads with the sticky backing. This is the ONLY way to go. The gauze just catches on your stitches and rips the flesh when you change the dressing. The pads are nonstick on one side, and the sticky backside keeps it in place in your underwear.

2. Throw out the boxers and buy some briefs. I got some boxer briefs, and they help keep things in place when I’m moving around. I wear a jockstrap over the top of my briefs when I’m walking around the house or at work (today was my first day back at work).

3. Ice that baby. The gel-packs do wonders.

4. Take a dump with a plastic container to collect the pee. One of my biggest fears was pissing on my stitches while I was laying out a monster, so I decided to catch the urine in a plastic container. Works wonders! Use one hand with a pad to hold the nuts up while you are sitting on the throne, and other to focus the urine into the container. You’ll be surprised how well this works! Feels like the old days of pissing in a bottle in the back of car on a road trip!

5. Find yourself a good wife or partner. Turns out that my special wife started her period the day after my surgery (phew, no pressure for another few days; we’re an everyday kind of couple…). She has been great to give me a few strokes here and there (what a relief that the beast is still straight as an arrow, and seemingly harder than ever!), words of profound encouragement (what I am I going to do NOW, you’ll be driving deeper than ever!, etc.), spreading the Neosporin on the stitches, bringing me everything I desire, and just lying here with me in bed and watching my scifi flicks that she hates (it MUST be love).

Go get the surgery guys! And give yourself plenty of ‘on your back’ time! Your balls will be free in no time!
Big Nutter
Report this comment as inappropriate
May 11, 2010 @ 2:14 pm
RECOVERY. Urologist left the drain in until yesterday (4 days), since a healthy amount of pink/yellow fluid was still trickling out onto the pads. Virtually no pain as long as I am lying on my back in bed (Thank you Netflix Play it Now movies!), but plenty of pain and swelling if I get up and walk around or even just sit up for a bit. The swelling has subsided significantly here on day 5, but I still ice frequently (mostly because it just feels nice under the warm covers). Virtually no pain when I'm on my back in bed.

TIPS FOR THOSE IN RECOVERY.
1. Buy some thick menstrual pads with the sticky backing. This is the ONLY way to go. The gauze just catches on your stitches and rips the flesh when you change the dressing. The pads are nonstick on one side, and the sticky backside keeps it in place in your underwear.

2. Throw out the boxers and buy some briefs. I got some boxer briefs, and they help keep things in place when I’m moving around. I wear a jockstrap over the top of my briefs when I’m walking around the house or at work (today was my first day back at work).

3. Ice that baby. The gel-packs do wonders.

4. Take a dump with a plastic container to collect the pee. One of my biggest fears was pissing on my stitches while I was laying out a monster, so I decided to catch the urine in a plastic container. Works wonders! Use one hand with a pad to hold the nuts up while you are sitting on the throne, and other to focus the urine into the container. You’ll be surprised how well this works! Feels like the old days of pissing in a bottle in the back of car on a road trip!

5. Find yourself a good wife or partner. Turns out that my special wife started her period the day after my surgery (phew, no pressure for another few days; we’re an everyday kind of couple…). She has been great to give me a few strokes here and there (what a relief that the beast is still straight as an arrow, and seemingly harder than ever!), words of profound encouragement (what I am I going to do NOW, you’ll be driving deeper than ever!, etc.), spreading the Neosporin on the stitches, bringing me everything I desire, and just lying here with me in bed and watching my scifi flicks that she hates (it MUST be love).

Go get the surgery guys! And give yourself plenty of ‘on your back’ time! Your balls will be free in no time!
Report this comment as inappropriate
May 11, 2010 @ 8:20 pm
55 yr old 6'4" 240 lb wimp here. Had a right hydrocelectomy 4.5 days ago Friday May 7th at 7am, was home 9:45 am. Must have been a bit giddy being wheeeled to the car; wife said I was telling everyone in the hospital corridor "I just had ball surgery"
Have had this problem 20+ years with very gradual growth until maximum size of an orange. Florida juice orange, not one of those monsterous delicious California navals I miss so much. Surgery was a breeze, no drain, no complications. pain minimal, ate only 3 oxy-codiens on saturday just to be sure. Never felt as bad as getting kicked in the nuts for me. Kept it iced up as directed. Still swollen but much smaller now. Wife tested "Mr. Happy" this morning just to see if he's still interested. He is the went back to sleep, needs to hybernate a few weeks before he can come out and play. With all kidding aside, this is very safe surgery and the benefits outweigh all the risks. Stay positive, be nice and smile at all the medical people and take it easy. Lets just hope this is the worst thing we have done to our bodies. One final note, the incision area looks a bit nasty today, the scar might deserve some bragging rights. Enjoy.
Report this comment as inappropriate
May 11, 2010 @ 8:20 pm
Tomorrow will be 4 weeks and I have had no complications and I am almost totally healed. The only two things I haven't done yet are heavy lifting at the YMCA and having sex. I plan on taking care of one of those by the weekend. The heaving lifting is still a couple of weeks away. I hope everyone's surgery and recovery go as good as mine did. Best decision I ever made, just wish I had made it sooner.
Larry
Report this comment as inappropriate
May 14, 2010 @ 9:21 pm
Had hydrocelectomy two days ago. Age 40, no other health issues. Had a large hydrocele on right side, about the size of a softball. I also had pain above the scrotum in the groin area for the last few weeks, which was likely from a related inguinal hernia. It turned out there was no hernia, the pain was from a nerve that had somehow got attached to the sack and then got pulled when it grew so large, or something like that. So they put the nerve back where it belonged, and removed the hydrocele. I was fine after the surgery, had some vicodin. Yesterday I felt pretty good, had a vicodin in the morning but it made me a little nauseous so i stopped. Most of my discomfort was from the ton of gauze in my jockstrap, my goodies were all scrunched together. So I took out all the gauze, and the drain. Put a small cloth inside jock strap for cushion. Slept in loose boxers so everything wouldn't be so tight for awhile. Today, everything the same, area is a little sore, certainly tender to touch, but no pain per se. The cotton strip over my stitches was no longer staying put, so i took it off. Jock strap too tight, so switched to some snug briefs with cloth inside. Not taking any pain pills. Not really draining anymore, no bleeding. My right side is still larger than normal (or at least my left) but not much, based on what I understand its normal swelling that should subside. Area is tender, but thats pretty much it. So count this as a 100% success story so far. In fact I was thinking about going back to work earlier today, but I got comfy on couch and came to my senses.
Report this comment as inappropriate
May 15, 2010 @ 1:13 pm
I had my surgury 5 months ago. Everything looks and feels great. The scar is barely visible and my nut feels fine. It is also regular sized now. This surgery is worth it. Though the first couple weeks after really sucks
Report this comment as inappropriate
May 22, 2010 @ 2:02 am
Ref post #151.
My b.p.spiked to 190+ when they gave me the spinal anaesthetic. Surgery took 1hr, 1litre of old tea drained. Have 9cm cut in centre of scrotum. Apart from getting pissed off with disturbances every 3-4hrs, hospital stay was fine (3 nights, private room, en-suite). Two days later surgeon removed 2 drain tubes - each 15cm long. Where the heck did they fit?! One week of antibiotics, nominal pain relief, no pain, only discomfort from having to lie on back all the time. PLENTY of ice applied. Ladies pantyliners perfect, I didn't know they are tacky on one side to grip your underwear - clever. Using iodine style fluid to keep pantyliner 'wet' so that it never sticks. Longer time periods now with no covering, letting air at genitals to dry them out. Walking, driving ok, except maybe a bit hot here for prolonged activity. Cost was p75,000 (about U$1650).
Overall I'm satisfied with results, looking forward to sex, swimming and scuba diving again. I may well use pantyliners when cycling. Good luck everybody, I hope I don't come back here with bad news...
Report this comment as inappropriate
May 22, 2010 @ 5:17 pm
I had my hydrocelectomy 3 days ago. Most of the entries here cover the important information well. Great blog and thanks to all. I would just like to emphasize the following:
1) after you go home (I went home same day), ICE, ICE, ICE... for as many days as you can.
2) start your stool softener immediately after surgery; you'll be taking pain meds and they will constipate you. Trust me.
3) I am appalled by the stories above indicated poor orientation on the part of urologists and hospital staff. I have to say that my team has been wonderful. I felt like I knew exactly what was going to happen and how the post-op would probably unfold. If you are NOT getting a clear overall picture as you approach your procedure, CHANGE TEAM!!!
Right now I am dealing with localized pain (getting better, but still there after 3 days) and swelling (to be expected). I have stopped the vicodin and am taking an occasional alleve. And I NEVER leave my groin free of an ice pack: I ice continuously all day long.
Report this comment as inappropriate
May 22, 2010 @ 6:18 pm
I had my hydrocelectomy 3 days ago. Most of the entries here cover the important information well. Great blog and thanks to all. I would just like to emphasize the following:
1) after you go home (I went home same day), ICE, ICE, ICE... for as many days as you can.
2) start your stool softener immediately after surgery; you'll be taking pain meds and they will constipate you. Trust me.
3) I am appalled by the stories above indicated poor orientation on the part of urologists and hospital staff. I have to say that my team has been wonderful. I felt like I knew exactly what was going to happen and how the post-op would probably unfold. If you are NOT getting a clear overall picture as you approach your procedure, CHANGE TEAM!!!
Right now I am dealing with localized pain (getting better, but still there after 3 days) and swelling (to be expected). I have stopped the vicodin and am taking an occasional alleve. And I NEVER leave my groin free of an ice pack: I ice continuously all day long.
Report this comment as inappropriate
May 22, 2010 @ 7:19 pm
I had my hydrocelectomy 3 days ago. Most of the entries here cover the important information well. Great blog and thanks to all. I would just like to emphasize the following:
1) after you go home (I went home same day), ICE, ICE, ICE... for as many days as you can.
2) start your stool softener immediately after surgery; you'll be taking pain meds and they will constipate you. Trust me.
3) I am appalled by the stories above indicated poor orientation on the part of urologists and hospital staff. I have to say that my team has been wonderful. I felt like I knew exactly what was going to happen and how the post-op would probably unfold. If you are NOT getting a clear overall picture as you approach your procedure, CHANGE TEAM!!!
Right now I am dealing with localized pain (getting better, but still there after 3 days) and swelling (to be expected). I have stopped the vicodin and am taking an occasional alleve. And I NEVER leave my groin free of an ice pack: I ice continuously all day long.
Report this comment as inappropriate
May 25, 2010 @ 2:14 pm
I had surgery when I was 14, and then again when I was 17. I hated it! Now at 27 Its back and I am really not happy. Having an enlarged testicle has put a damper on my sex life and even the way I sit down. I know that my parents spent a lot of money trying to fix the problem and now I am having to dish-out the money.
Report this comment as inappropriate
May 28, 2010 @ 5:17 pm
Refs #152 (not 151) and 161;
Now 19 days since surgery. My sac is an odd shape as different areas lose their post-op swelling. Skin is still odd shades but this is returning to normal too. Stubble is a bit uncomfortable. Wound is still a bit open and I wear a pantyliner moistened with anti-bac cream (Dettol) which cools, moistens, protects. I've been lucky as I have had no pain (except when a child collided with me in a mall, ouch!). I'm hoping to go swimming in the ocean today or tomorrow. I feel a full recovery is close. I have resumed sex without problems, just some laughs about finding the right position and movements!
This is my last post, good luck all.
(It's odd to look around a crowded mall (for example) knowing there is probably another guy or two with the same condition...)
Brad
Report this comment as inappropriate
May 30, 2010 @ 10:10 am
My hydrocele had been growing ever since my hernia surgery almost 3 years ago, but I kept putting it off...the embarrassment of it all...the pain of surgery...you know. But I finally had my it taken care of 4 days ago. I have had virtually no pain at all. My surgeon was surprised at that (as I was), and he wondered if I have a high pain tolerance. I don't know that I do, but I do know I thank God for no pain. I have had little energy since the surgery, which is typical for me whenever I've been sick or had surgery. I did have a slight fever the past 2 afternoon/evenings, but nothing serious.
Doc told me to keep it iced and do NOT do much activity through the first 5 or so days. I've been fairly obedient to that, although not having pain makes it tempting to be more active or forget about the ice.
If you have been procrastinating like I did on the surgery, just get 'er done.
Report this comment as inappropriate
Jun 21, 2010 @ 6:18 pm
I had hydrocele surgery in an Australian Public Hospital on 16 June 2010 and after waking from anasthetic and looking down at affected area saw that I was totally BLACK and BLUE WITH BRUISING, my penis was totally distorted and to urinate I had to pee in a bottle then empty it into the toilet as I couldn't direct the stream of urine...it just came out in a straight stream and overshot the bowl. My testicles and scrotum are still badly bruised and swollen six days after surgery and still very painful and I still have to pee into a bottle. My lower stomach is also still very purple with bruising. My scrotum is very swollen (about 4 times normal size)and my testicles are both enlarged. My surgeon has entered into no discussion about any of these details so the only information I have is that things are very painful with no immediate prospects of getting any better for some time (I don't know how much time!).
Report this comment as inappropriate
Jun 21, 2010 @ 8:20 pm
hello, it's been 2 years after i have my hudrocele surgery and i'm still in pain every day . my doctor do not see any thing wrong with me i have all possible tests done and no one give me an advise of what need to be done next . please help me with advise and suggestions

thank you
Jay
Report this comment as inappropriate
Jun 28, 2010 @ 11:11 am
Hello, im 33 years old and was told i have a hydrocele on the left side.I have an appointment next week to disguss surgery. I am really freaked out.Some comments make me at ease but then some freak me out. One of my main questions is, does your testicle sack go back to looking normal after awhile?. What is the best method for a full and best recovery? I am really freaked out about the healing process ( infection / pain ) looking normal again. I feel like a freak show when im in the mirror.
Report this comment as inappropriate
Jul 12, 2010 @ 9:21 pm
I was nervous as all hell about getting this surgery, but it's been almost 5 days now since I had it, and I'm definitely feeling better now. It was very sore for the first 3 days, yesterday was getting better, and today is even better. I'm sure that by somewhere around the 7 or 10 day mark, I'll be fine without any pain pills, and I'll be able to walk normally. I'm a 20 year old in good health.

I'm already down to two vicodin pills a day, probably only need one tomorrow. The swelling is not that bad, better than it was before I got the operation (hydrocele was about the size of a very large egg). I've been taking it really easy since I got back from the hospital, and I've been laying on the couch for the most part, only getting up for bathroom breaks.

Some operation information:
1. Hospitals freak me out. The IV was the first thing to be done. I didn't like it, but that was the worst part.
2. An anesthesiologist came in to tell me what was up, and then my surgeon came in, and explained the operation.
3. I was wheeled off after getting a "relaxing dose" and then once I moved onto the operating table, I was given a second "sedative" but that one was the general anesthesia... I waited until they emptied the syringe, and quickly counted down from 10 (without being asked) and succeeded! I then said, YEAH! and then I was out.
4. Woke up after 10 minutes in the recovery room and didn't seem high at all like others have said. I asked how it went, and was ignored, but after the doctor came in, he said everything went great. I felt sore, and they gave me a vicodin pill while still in the hospital... no more syringe drugs.
5. Got wheeled off in a wheelchair (which took forever to arrive) and that didn't feel too good, but I managed.

Some post-op tips for those getting the operation:
1. Recovery is a long road, but it does get better eventually (might not seem that way during the first 3 days)
2. Vicodin makes you constipated. This constipation has probably caused me more discomfort than the hydrocelectomy. Take your stool softeners.
3. Rest up (lay flat), and ice as much as you can... this helps with the swelling, and reduces your recovery time.
Report this comment as inappropriate
Jul 13, 2010 @ 10:10 am
Had my operation on Monday 12th July 2010. Guys it's really not that bad..I don't like hospitals either but the doctor and nurses were so comforting that I was really at ease. The anesthesiologist explained everything to me and so did my urologist about where he was going to cut and so on. It's been 1 day post-op and I'm feeling fine little to no pain at all and I didn't even use an ice pack. I am using Augmentin antibiotics for a week and Ponstan Forte painkillers three a day..but I have only used two. I can walk around with little discomfort but spend most of my time in bed watchin tv. I live in a country called Trinidad which is in the Caribbean and I'm sure some of you guys have never heard of it. My urologist is UK trained though and very good.Anyway I read this forum and it helped alot to be at ease for my surgery..Guys I know all the stories of having a hydrocele the embarrassment it causes..I used to wear long jerseys and shirts to hide the bulge and used to avoid certain social gatherings because of it. Get the surgery done trust me..I will post more on my recovery later on. Im still heavily bandaged so can't see the stitches yet.
ivan
Report this comment as inappropriate
Jul 13, 2010 @ 6:18 pm
huh in Bulgaria this operation(hydrocele) cost to me only 50 leva which is around 35$, and this was only for the bed in the hospital(because i was there for a night).But i am a student.So my question is about my sex life after the surgery...Im on the 8th day,i can live a month(as the dr. says)without sex, but without any pleasure...So in one sentence, how many days after the surgery i could try to masturbate?I wonder if there are damaged any organs with this intervention or it is kind of externally for the organs?I hope you can get the sense of my question...sry for the bad language.
Report this comment as inappropriate
Jul 17, 2010 @ 8:08 am
I had this surgery two years ago (June 16, 2008) when I was 16. The hydrocele recurred.

I had the same surgery (even the same surgeon) a few days ago on Monday, July 12, 2010. The recovery has been practically pain free, it seems even more painless than last time.

My concern is that there is some swelling, which makes me worry that my hydrocele might recur again, but I'll wait this out until I'm fully recovered and my doctor takes a look. Here's hoping I won't have to do this a third time.

As for people who are nervous, don't be, the process is relatively pain free. And for those wondering about masturbation, as a teenage male I can tell you that it is fine to masturbate the day after surgery. Avoid sex for a couple weeks though (although, then again, I feel up for it tonight).
Akash
Report this comment as inappropriate
Jul 17, 2010 @ 12:12 pm
#174 Jack

Can you give more details about when your hydrocele returned. How long after the first operation did it recur? Was it smaller, the same or bigger than the first hydrocele? What did the surgeon say caused it to recur? I always thought that the surgery when they stitch the tunica vaginalis the other way around this stops the fluid fro accumulating because it can now be absorbed by the tissue in the scrotum..Thanks in advance man and wishing you a speedy recovery
bob
Report this comment as inappropriate
Jul 20, 2010 @ 10:10 am
Almost a year has gone by since Ive had my surgery and i'm still in pain. i'm very active and I am always sore after lifting weights and running. Good luck to anyone who has this done I hope it turns out better than mine did...
Report this comment as inappropriate
Jul 21, 2010 @ 2:14 pm
Hi Andy,
Im bert from the Philippines.I read your hydrocelectomy experience. And good results.May I know what hospital you underwent your surgery and please tell me the name of your urologist. I'm planning for hydrocelectomy and like you, I'm very afraid.
I hope you will provide me the hospital and the urologist. You can reach me thru my email
Thanks,
Bert
Purple
Report this comment as inappropriate
Jul 25, 2010 @ 8:20 pm
I underwent the procedure a few days ago. I'm almost entirely purple in the groin area. Scrotum is purple, Penis is purple, incision area is purple.

Been walking slowly, but OK. Even carrying grain for animals. But Got a bit of a fever tonight. Result of the surgery? Probably. I recovered from hernia surgery in 2 weeks. I fear this will take longer.
Akram
Report this comment as inappropriate
Jul 27, 2010 @ 8:20 pm
Well it has been two weeks since my surgery and things are progressing well. No pain except if I bang my crotch with something..lol. There is minor swelling which my doc says is blood and should go down in about two months (remember you have to give your body time to heal). The stitches are still there and there is a slight ooze from the incision..no big deal. I'm 37 and in good health so maybe that helps. Anyway my scrotum is about a quarter the size it was post-op and that alone makes the surgery worth it. Clothes fit better and I'm more confident now than when I had the enlarged testicle. I've read some guys carried this thing around for years..I've only had my hydrocele for 8 months. I just could not take it anymore physically and psychologicaly. Aspiration was never an option for me because of the high rate of reccurence. Guys just do the surgery and get rid of this thing once and for all. If it is done properly the chance of reccurence is almost nil. Man I fel so good about myself now that if it ever came back I would do it all over in a heartbeat. If you have any questions just post here and I'll be glad to answer as best as I could..but remember I'm no expert I can only answer based on my own experience.
Report this comment as inappropriate
Aug 7, 2010 @ 4:04 am
After my hydrocelectomy in may 2010 I experienced an immediate reacurance, including a complication with the epididymis cord(left side surgery). Three months later the doctors finaly performed another opp(hydrocele swelling was increased by 50% after first opp. and complication to the epididymis, it was much worse than before?). The late july 2010 opp. resulted a in better healing process, no hydrocele but the blood clot like comment 50 experienced was noticed and my one week follow up concluded that it was exact, a large blood clot. This is number two for me. What was comment 50's results? Maybe I should try what he did. The doctors dont tell me much, I learn more on my own and they are insecure when I know what is happening(I had two ultra sounds performed). The doctors never seem to do much as far as attention or ideas. I have seen a number of them at the same urology hospital so it seems to be that it is repititional to let something continue until it is certain it is time to open it back again. I dont know but this is getting very problematic for my life. Im in a 2 to 4% failure two times possibly. I know two people who had quad bypass heart surgery. As this is not life threatening I would like to know what are they doing wrong. Some people have it much worse than my situation and it could be worse but what is the problem? I have two seperate complications from two seperate sugerys that fall into the risk factors(no infections thankfully)! I am aware that there will be bleeding ect., but why after the seccond opp. special measures couldnt be practiced, not just another cut and stitch? This clot is too large to be absorbed in two or three weeks(plum size). I took every inch of care to let myself heal with all supports. What happens now, what do I do. I am 6ft3in. 180lbs with a remarkable heart rate. Healthy is my thing. Thanks.
Report this comment as inappropriate
Aug 9, 2010 @ 1:01 am
Had mine done on the 28th july 2010.Jabuoley to the left and Lords to the right.Woke up starving.They fed me and sent me home.My wife picked me up and we stayed in town for the night.
Next day drove 4 hour home.Felt fine.Took it easy for 3 days but still mucked around home doing light duties,wearing the strap and taking Panadol and Codiene. Op Weds @ 5pm. Home Thurs 2pm, mucked around thurs afternoon,Fri, Sat, and Sunday morning.Been in bed ever since.Now the following Monday 12 days after the op. Wound healed, no seepage or bleeding.Right testicle where the less invasive lords was performed is fine and right scrotum is back to normal.My left side which had the larger Hydrocele is swollen.The Testicle has swollen inside the scrotum and when I stand there is pressure on the recently healed incision (bout 2.5 inches horizontal)which is very uncomfortable but not "painful".Also may have made silly mistake and had sex on the Fri after my op, tho it felt good at the time.I have no bruising and my surgeon who has performed over 300 of these procedures has basically said Ive learned the hard way.I should have gone home and put my feet up for 10 days.My slant is "Its a simple op to get rid of a pschologically dibillitating anominally and you should get it dealt too and rest till you are 100% again.Dont learn the hard way like me.Good luck and get it sorted
cliff
Report this comment as inappropriate
Aug 9, 2010 @ 11:11 am
Hey Iain25 glad you are recovering well. My hydrocelectomy was also done in July 2010. Best choice I ever made. Surgery was ??? I don't know I was out cold..lol. Recovery, hardly any pain..rested for first 3 days. It is now 4 weeks into recovery, stitches gone..incision healing nicely and right side swelling going down. Man am I glad I don't have to deal with this problem anymore. I like what you said about it being "a psychologically dibillitating anominally." This thing palyed tricks on my mind as I felt people were always staring down there..and they were. Even fully dressed there was no way of hiding this bulge. Clothes fit better and my mind is at ease. The only thing was the cost of the surgery which easily ran into 15k. Thank God for insurance.
Report this comment as inappropriate
Aug 10, 2010 @ 5:17 pm
HELLO IM 25 YEARS AND MY DOCTOR TOLD ME THAT I HAVE A HIDROCELE CUS MY LEFT SIDE IS LARGER THAN MY RIGHT. HE SAID I NEED SURGERY BUT IM REALLY FREAKIN OUT CUS I DONT KNOW IF THATS GONNA AFFECT ME IN THE FUTURE OR IF IM GONNA RECOVER AND BE OK..
Report this comment as inappropriate
Aug 12, 2010 @ 7:07 am
Day 15 and coming right fast!!! bin the ice cubes and go the spa bath.Warm moving water relaxes everything.Im getting 4hour of joy out of every 15 mins in the tub thank god.Everything returning to its natural state.So worth it.
Report this comment as inappropriate
Aug 21, 2010 @ 5:05 am
Day 24.Good as gold.Still have one slightly swollen nut but no pain and swelling diminishing daily.Never mentioned this but Im 44 and reasonably healthy if this helps anyone on timing.Im sure any young pups will heal faster.Best thing I ever did..Next to marrying Kelly and having the kids.Well thats me no more posts. Good luck to everyone having a hydrocelle and dont put it off for as long as I did 5 years. Cheers Iain25
Jay
Report this comment as inappropriate
Aug 21, 2010 @ 8:20 pm
OK, I had my surgery August 18th. It is now day 3 post op. You guys, i wish i knew then what i know now. I would of done it sooner, and i wouldnt of thought twice about it. Im 33 years old and believe me i was terrified. I found out i would be having ht esurgery and all that it would entail back in the beginning of June. The hard part was that i had all this time to dwell on the surgery and i got myself in major distress. Im not going to lie, it did hurt after, but not as much as i thought it was going to. I am a real baby when it comes to pain, so if i can handle it i think anybody could. I went in to the hospital at 5:30am and was home by noon. The only reason i was there long was because they do not let you leave until you have urinated. I am going to go through everything, i am a control freak and it did help reading others experiences.

1. Got to the hospital and changed into hospital dress. The nurse took blood pressure and asked the same questions you got asked in your doctores appointments.

2. Later on my doctor came in and went over the surgery again. I had no problem telling her that i was really freaked out, and she again made me feel at ease.

3. The anesthesiologists came in.I explained to her that this is what freaked me out the most. Going under freakes me out, She told me that she could numb me fromt he waist down and drug me so i was pretty out of it if i didnt want to go under completely, but that i would be here longer so it would wear off and there was more of a risk involved as far as complications. She really put my minde at ease. She explained to me ( because im a control freak ) the things they do if there were any complicaations while i was under. Made me feel good that this was explained. Knowing more made me feel better. I had to take out my contacts for my surgery and she offered to keep my glasses with her and when it was all over she would put them on so when i woke up i would be able to see right away.She was great!

4.They came in when it was time for the surgery. They gave me something through my IV and said it was to relax me. Within 40 seconds i felt relaxed. Im sure they slipped me something else because i do not remember even going into the the operating room.

5. It seemed like 10 seconds later and i was awake in the recovery room. The nurses were all speaking to me and telling me everything went very well. They asked how much pain i was in and if i needed more pain med. When i woke up i was not in pain but i was sore like someone just got done was on my junk. I was taken back into my room. I was in there until i urinated then they sent me onmy way.

I am so happy i got ths done. My hydrocele on the left got to the size of a large potatoe, and i had a small one on the right side. So i had it double, and it sucked. I feel so much better mentally, i cant even explain. Im not embarresed and freaked out that it is going to get bigger, im not paying attention to my crotch area everytime im sitting to make sure a bulge isnt showing for the world to see. I use to look around and feel like i was the freak int he room because of this and now i am so glad i had it taken care of. I really do think that your recovery is based alot on your doctor. If you dont feel right about them you need to switch. It is all about there credits and feedback from others, and their bedside manner. I will post more furhter into my recovery. I really hope i helped someone. If you want ot ask any questions send me your email and i can answer based on my experience. Take care and please do not think twice about getting the surgery.
Report this comment as inappropriate
Aug 28, 2010 @ 3:03 am
Has reality set in yet Jay
Best thing you could ever do but put away a month for complete recovery
A month for piece of mind and confidence.No worries
Jay
Report this comment as inappropriate
Aug 29, 2010 @ 12:00 am
OK, day 11 post op. Again, i can not stress how great it feels to have got it done. You guys, if you have any worries please dont. All you need to do is take it easy and follow the rules and you will be fine. I have no pain at all. Just some sore spots.It really does get easier each day. Still wearing the scrotal support and i think it really helps. The sweeling is going down and i dont feel like a freak when i look in the mirror. I will post more after my 2 week check up. Just remember to take it easy and that you will feel like a new person whenit is over
Cliff
Report this comment as inappropriate
Aug 29, 2010 @ 5:17 pm
Glad to know that your recovery is going well Jay.
Joe
Report this comment as inappropriate
Aug 29, 2010 @ 7:19 pm
I had a hydrocelectomy done on my left side on August 23. The comments on this blog helped me feel somewhat more at ease prior to surgery. My recovery seems to be going well and similar to the other people who had good outcomes on here. It may be due to being young, in my thirties, in good health without any problems other than a simple hydrocele.

The first 2 days after surgery were very painful for me. After the surgery I had to walk to my car and I felt that the pain meds were not helping at all. I felt like someone was squeezing my balls with every step I made. Once I was home in bed with ice packs, all the pain seemed to be alleviated. I was told by the doctor that there would be swelling but luckily the swelling has been relatively minimal. The bruising looks pretty bad but this should go away in a few weeks.

It has been 6 days post op and I have been able to walk with minimal pain for the past 2 days. I have been taking Vicodin a few times a day and it has basically helped me to relax and make the recovery time fly by. I was advised by my doctor not to have sex or exercise for the next three weeks and I plan to follow his advice. I do not regret having this procedure done at all. As long as you are prepared for the recovery and have a helpful person to care for you (my wife) you should be fine.
Report this comment as inappropriate
Sep 2, 2010 @ 2:14 pm
I have a small left side hydrocele that doesn't hurt & I'm wondering about surgery. Since there is no pain and, unless it grows, does it make sense to have surgery.
cgrox
Report this comment as inappropriate
Sep 2, 2010 @ 5:17 pm
Hey guys. having my surgery in a few days and scared sh*tless! ive gone under before for a small wrist sugery, which i was also scared sh*tless about, so at least im past that phase. believe me when i say SCARED SH*TLESS.

My biggest fear now is the pain recovery that really freaks me out... i dont do pain well and believe it or not, never had my junk kicked in my life, so its gonna be an experience and im nauseous just thinking about it. thanks for all the tips and advice from everyone, i think in these circumstances this kind of forum is really great except some of the horror stories ive read :(

anyways, i also decided to have this done because of the mental games as others have mentioned and of course the size/weight issue. have had mine for about a year i guess and is now the size of a lobsided racquetball or pear. i will post recovery updates for the next guy. see you on the other side.
Jay
Report this comment as inappropriate
Sep 2, 2010 @ 10:22 pm
CGROX...i saw your post.I am just like you. Im not good with pain..and i was scared S*&tless also. But i will tell you that you will fell 100% better after it is done. The first 3 days will be rough, but each day it will get better. Just take your pain med and take it easy and it will all turn out ok. Once you wake up it will all be over. Take care and i cant wait to hear your success story.

Comment about this article, ask questions, or add new information about this topic:

CAPTCHA


Hydrocelectomy forum