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.
A hydrocelectomy is performed to correct a hydrocele and prevent its recurrence.
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 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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Chronic infection after surgical repair can increase morbidity. There are no instances reported of death following a hydrocele repair.
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.
"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.
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.
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 .
Dolan, James P., MD. Hydrocele Repair . http://www.kernanhospital.com .
Men's Health Topics. Hydrocele . http://www.uro.com/hydrocele.htm .
L. Lee Culvert
A hydrocelectomy is performed in a hospital operating room or a one-day surgery center by a general surgeon or urologist.
Thanks
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
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?
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?
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.
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).
disconfort and light pain. It feels like recovering from a kick in the nuts that does not end.
Rich
Thank you!
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.
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!!!!
Thanks
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.
Also, to anyone debating having this done: It's well worth it. I feel lighter and more aerodynamic already!
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
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
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.
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!
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
More pictures would help.
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!
this happend right after i had hernia repair
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!
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
Good luck to those going in for the surgery.
Thanks for reading.
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?
good luck
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.
thanks good luck for you guys, it a a fairly nice operation and im greatful and feel for the guys having it :)
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!
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
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
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.
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.
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.
No Pain! A little swelling. No problem walking or getting up the stairs. Feeling very well two days later.
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.
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.
Great read. Please keep us posted on your recovery. I am going in next Monday for Hydrocelectomy, wondering what to expect afterwards!
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.
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!
Doctors appointment in a week. I'll probably post again then
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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!
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!
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.
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...
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.
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.
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.
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...)
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.
thank you
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.
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).
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
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
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.
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
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.
Best thing you could ever do but put away a month for complete recovery
A month for piece of mind and confidence.No worries
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.
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.
Thanks again dude.
moha
Aug 18, 2009 @ 8:15 am
I had Hydro surgery done five month ago...My testicle was the size of a patatoe... now iam feeling well but the question is will it come back this problem again after some years or a months or once get surgery never come back this diseases hydrocelecomy otherwise thanks for reading
The surgery went fine and I was never in tremendous pain, any pain I was in was taken care by the pain meds. I did not have to have a drain put, overall the surgery went fine and I am glad I had it done. My testicle is still a little bigger than the other one but much smaller than before the surgery. A ice pack helped reduce some of the swelling, I may have healed more quickly if I had not tried to get up and walk around every time I woke up. I did have some sexual contact about 3 days after the surgery, you will not be able to have regular sex right after the surgery but with some help you can ejaculate. Although I was a little sore after she took care of me so if you can go without all the better.
After the surgery expect some swelling. It will really hurt when you urinate for the first time. You might struggle to urinate, but keep trying and trying until it comes out. Once you urinate for the first time it becomes easier from there on.
The first day I would not wear any form of underwear, just stick to the bandages the surgeons put in place. I would not touch the wound, because it can really hurt.
When you sleep for the first couple of days you will have to sleep looking upwards and not on your side.
After the first couple of days I used a pad and used it for support underneath so that gravity did not take it's tole. This helped me feel little pain. With this in place I was able to now sleep on the side of my bed. I also recommend plenty of pillows, to prop yourself up.
I would not really get out of bed for the first 2 days, only to go to the toilet. This will become your worse place to go, mainly because you will feel pain when getting up.
I did not wear the scrotal support at all, only initially after the surgery which I kept on for 2 days. I did not want anybody to change it. After the first 2 days I could shower lightly (LIGHTLY). So basically get my area a bit wet, alongside with my hair and body.
I mostly watched television during my recovery, so you might as well do the same.
You have nothing to worry about, this surgery is really not that big, and the recovery is fairly quick too.
Alot Of Comments Have Made Me Feel Better, Though Alot Have Made Me Really Scared Of It - I Fear The Complications And The Pain.
Does Anybody Know If Younger People Seem To Heal Alot Better Than Older Patients? It Seems To Appear So On The Comments..
Thank You.
Any answers would be greatly appreciated, thanks. :D
In Pain When Not Taken Painkillers So I regularly Dose Myself Up To Avoid The Pain Which Works Well. - I'm Going To Start Taking Warm Salt Baths Tomorrow, Will Updae Later On To See How I Go.
I'm Walking Fine And Sit Fine, Though I Keep Changing Posters (About Every Hour Or So) As It can Get Uncomfortable.
So Glad I went Through With It Already And Can't Wait Until I Heal. Thank You For Reading..
Can Run Up Stairs And To Normal Activities.
Brilliant!
Well Enough To Go To A Concert On Tuesday (1 Week Post Op) So If You Can Go To A Concert, You Can Do Alot Of Things!
im scared more so due to the fact on the 13th of this month i have a knee operation which im still recoverin from so hopefully wontbe any added risks.
ive been suffering with a hydrocele for 3/4 years ive had it aspirated 8 times and due to that ive had a huge infection which has now left a right testicle the size of a very large orange
or a small grapefruit
thank you for all your advice
the surgery itself was bwt 90min and was worth all the worrying and anticipation i have to thank u all for ur comments and advice prior to my op it preparied me well.
thank you
it is towards the bottom of the scrotom but comes up to the side touching the leg. its been exactly a week since mine and the pain in minimal it has been for a few days but i haveent taken any pain killers after monday tuesday.. just remember after you had it done dont make the same mistake i did spend 3/4 days in bed 5/6 if u can with exception to goin toilet get ur dinners brought to u my mum n gf brought mine to me and it should be a very pain free experiences
evernight i also have a 20/30 min hot bath (but start of luke warm then add more heat) with rock salt becasue its purer it cleans the wound coz u cant wash it for a few days n it goes mingin lol
you should be fine
Anyhow, this is how it went: Surgery was painless with general anesthesia. In recovery, before they took out the intravenous tubes; they gave me a dose of morpheme that eliminated any pain making the ride home painless. I recommend this. I took one Percocet at home around 5:00 PM and slept very well that night. The jock strap and padding they provided gave the support needed for the first and second night. I used plenty of ice from the time I got home and for the next two days. I think this was a major factor in reducing pain and swelling.
My doctor did an outstanding job. Morphine in recovery room and one Percoset at home later is not a lot of pain medication. After that I needed no more. I am an aged (66) athlete and pain is normal… I prefer pain over meds as long as I can sleep. It is Monday 11/8, 6 days later and everything is going well, again with very little pain. I started lifting heavy firewood and other chores and felt almost normal today. Tomorrow I will try more physical activity, which I enjoy.
Is it really necessary?? It doesn't hurt him and the size is also not that bad (about twice the size of the normal side). Will it grow in size as he grows up? Isn't there an alternative to the surgery?
I'm really scared to put my otherwise very normal and very active kid through the pains of a surgery!!
Any inputs/suggestions you give will be more than welcome!! Thanks in advance to everyone here...
Yes they do. My urologist explained to me that he would stitch my testicle to my scrotum and it would not be as loose as before. The reason he explained is that if it is not stitched to the scrotum then the testicle will keep twisting and eventually cut off the blood supply which would lead to the testicle dying. Hope his clears it up for you so there is no need to panic. BTW I had my surgery done in July this year and everything is back to normal, scar is hardly visible I don't have this extra bulge and weight and most of all I have peace of mind. Hope your recovery goes well..just relax and in no time you will be back to normal.
I noticed my (left side) hydrocele in September of 2010 - I'm sure it was there before, but I never really noticed. At that time, it was the size of a chicken egg. When I felt it, I freaked, called the Urologist right away (thinking cancer, even at 49). He got me into the hospital for a scrotal ultrasound that afternoon, saw me at the end of his day - "just" a hydrocele. He described the surgery, and I said No thanks (he agreed) - we decided to let it be for the time being, as it wasn't painful, and didn't really cause me any issues.
Fast forward to December, and the SOB is now the side of an ostrich egg (if you could have made it round, about the size of a softball). Now it was a problem - not pain, just fitting in jeans, having sex with the wife (I think she was afraid of it too - ha ha), etc. Second scrotal ultrasound, see doc, we decide on surgery on 1/4/11.
The surgery itself was uneventful, plenty of descriptions of that by others here. I come out of the fog, not really hurting much at all - they tell me (as they always do) that I have to urinate before I can go (the implied threat is that they will put a catheter in you if you don't - barbaric as hell). Now - I tell the nurse that I *know* from experience that narcotic pain meds make it hard to go (she had given me 2 Percocet, to stay ahead of the pain. Oh no, she says, that's not true. And I want to tell her, Bullshit - it's true, I've experienced it (Doc confirms later that I'm right, for many people this is true). And you already have General anethesia issues on top of it.
Long story short, this Day Stay Nazi Nurse corps, wanting to go home for the night, keep calling the doctor, asking when they can cath me. I said, why not just admit me, I'll piss eventually if I stop taking pain meds - oh no, no beds in the whole hospital. So they essentially force me to get a cath, everybody telling me no big deal, pregnant women get them, doctor will come in and do it if we don't, etc. BULLSHIT. Very Nazi-like manner to these "nurses" - you can tell they're pissed with the resistance. Don't ever get a catheter, unless you're going to die otherwise - make them give you alpha-blockers like Flowmax or Tamsulosine instead - Tamsulosine worked great - piss like a race horse, even on pain meds - of course, I didn't get it until *after* the catheter was taken out the next day. They don't numb anything when they jam it in, and it's right up there with the worst pain I've ever experienced. I yelled every curse word in the book as they crammed it in. Hurts to piss for days after it's out. BARBARIC. What century is this??
That aside, the recovery from surgery itself has been pretty easy. Surgery was Day 0 - it's now Day 4 and I still have swelling (I was told chances are it will swell up as big or bigger than before the surgery - and it did). You ice a lot, take it very easy, take painkillers when you need them, and take stool softeners - I got percocet, and it stops you up big time - you don't want to strain when you're having a BM and you are sore down there. For me, post-surgery swelling includes the penis - and it's messed up, because it looks like a damn pig in a blanket - the skin (I am circumcised, but you wouldn't know it) hides the penis itself - at one point, I lost the head in the swollen skin - that's an adventure - you have to fish it out to take a leak.
I will post more every few days, so you guys can have another data point. Right now, jury is still out - still not sure this was better than periodic drainage for the rest of my days.
Oh - I did have a drain, it was taken out yesterday (surgery on Tues., drain out Friday). I had asked the doc about the drain before surgery, and he said, " I've never regretted putting one in, but I *have* regretted *not* putting one in. "
Still have that pig in a blanket phenomenon with the penis, though less so today.
I was diagnosed with a hydrocele about 2 months ago (about the size of a large orange). My surgery was actually scheduled for today. However; my insurance company will not approve the surgery. (various reasons: not a covered service, needing some non-existent "previous medical records" etc...) Its beginning to look like I'm going to have to pay for this myself. I hardly ever have any money left over after I pay my bills each month. The doctor’s office is being quite cagey with what the surgery will cost, I don't even know if doing a few fund raisers is a reasonable possibility to cover the cost. They want me to wait through an appeals process before they give me any info. I am completely out of my depths in this arena; I mean is it like $2,500 or closer to $25,000? I'm located in the state of Michigan. Could someone out there please give me some hard cost numbers on this? Even if it was paid for by your insurance company you still get a final bill itemizing what everything cost.
Whatever the cost I have to get this fixed, I simply can live like this for the rest of my life.
Thanx in advance!
I'm having a hydrocelectomy done on January 19. My insurance company is covering the procedure. The cost for the surgeon and in-house surgery center is $1,201. The anesthesiologist will bill separately and I don't know what that charge will be. I live in Georgia.
I'll post my impressions and experience after the surgery.
John
I am going to the doctor for a follow up the 24th of Gen 2011. If I learn something ineresting I will post it. I also have no idea how much it is going to cost me.
Paolo
I am going to the doctor for a follow up the 24th of Gen 2011. If I learn something ineresting I will post it. I also have no idea how much it is going to cost me.
Paolo
Thanks much.
The reason that made me go to doctors to get problem examined was that I walked into a piece of wood at work and after a couple of days the swelling got larger and became un comfortable at times.
I will be having my pre op on the 09/02/2011 and hopefully soon after will get the appointment to have surgery to fix the problem.
After what I have been through and talking to friends who have gone through the same sort of problem lam lucky that I did not have any thing other than a Hydro cell or I could be dead by now if I had left it as long as I did before seeing a doctor.
After the operation what is the suggested time to rest before starting work again , as where I work I do allot of heavy lifting and I know that for the first couple days you are suppose to rest up and do no heavy lifting but was wandering after the first couple of days do people go straight back to work or do the take at least a week off work before returning to work.
If you're contemplating having a hydrocelectomy, I hope my experience encourages you to go ahead.
If you're contemplating having a hydrocelectomy, I hope my experience encourages you to go ahead.
Research I've done tells me that John Hopkins hospital in Baltimore Maryland is the best place
to have it done.
I live in Las Vegas. The urological ratings here are very poor.
A Laparoscopy & Robotic surgeon who just finished his residency was recently hired here.
I'm thinking of seeing him.
OR SHOULD I GO TO JOHN HOPKINS?
If you are going to have a hydrocelectomy, I don't see any reason to go to Johns Hopkins unless you want to see Baltimore in the spring. It is a very minor surgery and I'm sure the urologist who has been trained on the Da Vinci robot will do a good job.
I had my hydrocelectomy performed about 5 weeks ago and was really a piece of cake. I was scared to death going in, but the staff and doctor really made me feel at ease. (Athena Urology, Athens, GA) I was uncomfortable for about a week, but the healing process was very fast (I'm 56 years old). Plan on being mildly sore for about a week and buy a jock to use for several days after that. I used Lortabs for about 3 days after the surgery and after that I used ibuprofen occasionally. By the 3rd week, it was business as usual and now at week 5, I'm good as new. I can tell you though, I would definitely not have wanted to have to fly from Baltimore to Vegas during that first week!
Hope this helps.
Everything is close to normal - the testicle that was operated on is still a bit enlarged and firm, which doc says will still take more time - but even if it stayed like this, it's *way* better than before the surgery. No pain, good result. Only complaint is some extra skin, but I didn't have a facelift, after all ;-).
I'd say go for it if you've gotten to where I was (Softball) - it's worth getting rid of the beast.
The hydrocele was not removed. He just slit it and put in the tubes to drain the fluid. The day after the surgery, the tubes were removed and the hole was not closed. It is still draining from the hole and the hydrocele has refilled itself with fluid in just two days. I wish my doctor had read this article before he did the surgery. I know the hole will have to be closed someday and the sack will have to be removed also. One simple procedure has turned into a real pain. I'll also have to pay him to do it again someday SOON.
Just like the general surgeon did to me. He did the left hernia a couple of years ago when I was having some trouble already on the right side and refused to do both at the same time. Doctors think two surgeries are better than one.
Having had both procedures done at the same time has made the pain three times as painful, not two. I am also worried about an infection setting in where the hole is. I'm not scheduled to see him again for six weeks. I don't think I can wait that long.
I was comfortably riding my mountain bike 5 weeks after my surgery.
Johnny
As far as the surgery went, I was shaved, taken back, and woke up very lucid this time in comparison to my last surgery. I was in some slight pain after the surgery (the kicked in the groin feeling), however after some demerol it subsided. Once home I had a nice nap and woke up to slight pain, so I took some percocet. All in all the pain has been very manageable. I did try to go to the bathroom and almost passed out, so I've been feeling up a cup and sending it to the toilet via my wife. Swelling thus far has been minimal, however I do have some bleeding and I'm currently in hospital issued jock strap.
I will update tomorrow. Good luck to anyone else who is in this position.
I was on pain pills around the clock for about a week. I had drainage tubes in my scrotum for 5 days. It is still draining through the seam where they sutured the scrotum back together and the drainage tubes were. They did not cloes them, just left them to close on their own.
I found that sleeping on the couch so I did not move around much, and keeping a pillow between my legs so I didn't squash anything was helpful. Also, even now, laying down as much as possible reduces the drainage.
When I can, I wear boxers just to let everything breath, but tighter supportive underwear with a gauze pad to absorb the drainage when I am up and about. Returning to work in a couple of days, will be taking it slow. That's all for now. If you are trying to decide, I say go for it. There is no other treatment that I could find.
JUST GET IT DONE! I'm 29 year old guy with a tennis ball sized hydrocele on left side for the last 5 years or so. Finally got the surgery 8 days ago. Kind of a veteran with surgeries (deviated septum and varicocele) so knew what to expect with the anesthesia and post-op procedures. Once you get the anesthesia, you're good to go. Don't stress out too much. I went to the hospital all by myself as a result of changed surgery schedule and checked myself out after docs said my vitals are normal. Took a cab, came home. 7 days of rest. Cabin fever, it is. Many tv show marathons after I'm doing pretty good. Left testicle is smaller than pre-op. Swelling is going down. No infection, no oozing, no pus. Nothing at all, thank God! Stitches are a bit itchy but using an anti-biotic ointment to take care of that and to keep it infection free. I didn't have tubes to drain the hydrocele. It was all sewn up when I woke up. Wearing a jockstrap is a MUST! You have to support your boys. Even when you're lying down-which you should do for the first few days at least- put a ball of socks or a towel between your legs-under you balls to support them. Ice pack works pretty good as well as painkillers. I took a shower the second day after surgery and let the soapy water run over it as doctor advised. Keep it clean, apply the antibiotic ointment and keep them supported. You're good to go.
Not having sex? Doc told me to use my own judgment and avoid it until it feels fine. She said any rough movement would prolong the recovery and further damage the already damaged tissue. So i personally think this rules out masturbation. A month without any sexual activity?? I mean c'mon...a week felt pretty long enough :)
I feel pretty good about it. Still have a very slight pain when I stand for a long time but nothing unbearable. Actually didn't have any unbearable pain at all, except for right when I woke up after surgery and even then a shot of painkillers through IV took care of it.
Don't forget that everybody has a different metabolism and a different recovery speed but I personally had no problems and everything worked out perfectly. I had more and longer pain when I broke my toe few months ago.
A small note. My surgery was at 9.30am and I didn't eat or drink anything at all after 8.30pm the previous night. So there was a 12 hour window between food consumption and anesthesia. It worked out perfect for me. No nausea, not vomiting, nothing at all. Just follow your anesthesiologists pre-op orders and you should be fine.
Just get it done. (IMHO) it looks awful and feels unhealthy.
I just came home from college and im actually looking forward to just laying around/not having to work. And if you are worried, please dont be! Just know that NOTHING once you are given a sedative will freak you out. The most likely time that you will be scared is prior to the point where they give you that sedative. The sedative makes all the difference and you are well on your way!
And yeah, it does feel like I got kicked in the nuts but I really dont mind that much. When I preoccupy my mind with other things and take the meds, it definitely bare-able.
Expect 1-2 days of little pain and uncomfort. After that you'll see progress every day and from day 4 will be quite well.
Nothing to worry - hop on!
MY QUESTION IS: WAS TJERE SOMETHING WRONG WITH ME? I DID EXPERIENCE SOME PAIN ON THE LEFT SIDE KIST AFTER CONCEPTION, BIT IN
TIME. THE PAIN WENT AWAY. I NOTICED A VERY THIN PIIECE OF SEEMED TO BE WIRE, VERY SHORT IN TWO PLACES. THAT HAS REMAINED HIS ENTIRE LIFE AND HE IS 64YEARS OLD AND HAS A BOY, SO I CAN ONLY ASSUME, I WAS THE CAUSE OF THIS. PLEASE CORRECT ME IF I AM WRONG.
THANK YOU.
I'm a reasonably healthy 20 year old student and had the surgery yesterday (16 July) on the NHS - the hydrocele was a bit larger than a chicken egg. I decided on the surgery in the end because it was unsightly and I thought that if it continued to get bigger then with my age it would eventually become very uncomfortable. As it was it was never painful or even particularly uncomfortable though.
Probably the most painful thing about going in to hospital was having the straw inserted into my hand for the anaesthetic. Happily it was removed shortly after waking up. At that point I had swelling so that it was perhaps a touch larger than before, but hard to tell as I kept the gauze in place. I didn't take any painkillers after waking up for several hours, and didn't have ice either but so far it's been more discomfort than pain, although with the odd twinge. When I was allowed to go home I felt well enough to walk almost 3 miles home (didn't have much choice) and this didn't seem to do any damage, although probably a damn stupid idea. The pain/discomfort got worse as the day wore on, presumably as the anaesthetic worse off, but still nothing that paracetemol can't handle.
As things seemed to be going pretty well I decided to leave the arrangement alone until I could take a shower (tomorrow). I don't know what the best advice is, but my opinion is to mess around with it as little as possible.
So far I'm pleased with how it has gone, especially given some of the horror stories I've read about. Anyway, based on my experience I'd definitely recommend the surgery. It's free in the UK and my urologist had apparently done lots of the procedures before, and especially if you're young the recovery isn't anything like as bad as having the problem for the rest of your life.
He had no pain,only discomfort,and only had a bit of pain when he put on the jock strap they had told us to purchase. We tossed it off and out within 5 minutes.. and put on his stretchy boxer shorts, which held him firmly in place.(My recommendation,stretchy boxer shorts,that fit very snuggly but not to tight.and lots of ice.(frozen peas are awesome) and, lay flat for at least 2-3 days if possible,only get up to use the washroom. When he did want to lay on his side, he said it pulled a bit and hurt a bit,so I solved that by putting another pair of the amazingly supportive stretchy boxer shorts on over top of the ones he already had on,and put a frozen bag of peas again in between the two pairs.This gave him the extra support so there was no pull, plus the added benefit of ice also. Guess you can tell I am a big advocate of frozen peas, they work for almost anything you need ice for.I always keep several small bags around for migraines or strains or breaks etc..The amazing part was, before surgery as I said he was the size of a really large grapefruit, immed after surgery he was more like the size of a orange.Day 3 he was up and had a nice long very warm shower, and he took the gauze off, and I put a new piece of gauze on it for him. The bruising was just then starting to come out.(remember he is special needs and I am a nurse also).
Surgery date: July 28 2011
Location: Alberta Canada
Age: 17
ORIGINAL SIZE:
tennis ball size, but shaped like a oversized BLACK BEAN
DRAINAGE TUBE:
NO
STITCHES:
straight down the middle and slightly on the left
SWELLING:
still swollen after 4-5 days, not noticing any dramatic decreasing
BRUISING:
hell yes, black and blue after day 3
PAIN:
testicles (duh) lower stomach/ab region, my left arm where the IV was placed has been sore and weak for the past few days
PAIN RATING:
OP day 5/10, day 2 3/10, day 3 7/10, day 4 1/10
PAIN KILLERS:
percaset (hardcore stuff, expect to be dizzy) and Tylonel
NAUSEA:
Yes, felt it after surgery and slightly during the day after
SUPPORT SYSTEM:
Standard hosptial issued Jock strap (the swelling caused me to start spilling out of the sides on day 1)
OOZING:
not significant after the first 2 days. Only swapped padding once so far.
COMMENTS:
So I went into this surgery not knowing much about it mostly so as to not worry myself by knowing the details. I had first started noticing a size increase about 8 months ago but figured It was just a part of puberty so I let it go. after noticing this wasnt normal I sought a specialist who, after many tests, scans, etc., it was a hydrocele. He scheduled me for surgery and soon after I got in, and got it done. Simple as that. If you live in Canada this surgery shouldnt cost you a penny so go for it. Do not hesitate at all. The pain isnt so bad if your on pain killers for the first few days, and I sleep easier now knowing that in a few weeks I can be walking around not worrying about the grapefruit in my pants. Im still early in my recovery stage so Im not sure about how the rest is going to go, but if its anything like the above posts, Im not worried.
One thing to note that happened to me that was VERY SCARY was that the day after my surgery I got up to go the bathroom and started feeling dizzy. I quickly tucked myself away and attempted to lean against a wall but by then it was to late and I literraly BLACKED out in my bathroom slamming my head on the sink and shreading the side of my body. My sister had to come and wake me up as I was unresponsive, had purple lips and fingertips, and white as a ghost. The worst part is I dont remember anything past tucking my junk away in the jock i was given at the hospital.
Am I the only one who has gone through something like this? It was something that really frightened me as it was the same sensation as waking up from the OP itself. Complete lack of awareness to where you are or whats going on.
Overall, Im happy that I got this done and only regret not getting it done sooner. Apart from fainting in my bathroom, its been a rather easy recovery.
thanks
Obriena
P.S.
He is still scared to death, but has vacation time coming so it will be good to stay down for a week.
I just don't have the $$ to call an ambulance. Don't have any insurance to go to a hospital I retired a 62 so have money coming in to pay the necessities. SS let IRS know and they proceed to tak out 15% $171 and i think that i have to pay taxes on that and or an money over a limit. They set it at an amount where they don't have to give me food stamps which i appled for and got $16.
My hydrocele was on my right side and was the size of a softball believe me when I say it was huge. Im now in my 3rd week of recovery and like all men I get a hard on. When im fully errect all seems to be normal but when i shift it to the right or left I feel a sharp pain in my penis that goes all the way up to the head of the penis.
My question:::
1. Is this normal and will eventually go away?
2. Is it to early in the recovery to worry about getting a hard on?
Everything else is normal, I can walk with no pain the incision looks normal, the only issue is getting comfortable at night before going to sleep.
I just want to talk to people that can relate to my issues and have been thru this surgery like me.
Please email me at yunique_services@yahoo.com and I will respond asap. Im 28 and I live in Dallas, TX. Today is 10-28-2011
As well as a bi-lateral hydrocelectomy I also decided to have a vasectomy at the same time as it was something I’d been considering anyway. I was in the operating theatre for about an hour in a day case unit so was going home the same day. The incision in the scrotum was horizontal and about 3-4 inches long and I was advised they’d used dissolving sutures which would last about 10 days (looked more like 20lb fishing line to me). They warned me there would be some bruising and they weren’t wrong. Almost my entire scrotum is bruised and about half my manhood which I wasn’t expecting, it made me wonder what the hell they were doing when I was taking a nap. As the drugs wore off I was pretty sore and couldn’t even put my own socks on when it was time to go home. They gave me pain killers in the form of Co-Dydramol and Ibuprofen to take home. I had to stop the Ibuprofen after a week as it was upsetting my stomach. I fully expected to be going back to work after a week but my testicles had really swollen up and I was still in a lot of pain so off to the doctor again. I was prescribed more Co-Dydramol and given antibiotics as the doctor suspected there might be some infection.
That was 2 days ago and there’s no sign of the swelling going down and it looks like fluid is also gathering inside my scrotum so between my enlarged testicles and the fluid my sutures are pulling and causing discomfort plus the wound bleeds a small amount almost all the time. I’ve followed all the advice about baths and supporting underwear but the way things are I’m going to end up at A&E (E.R.). I’m fed up walking like John Wayne and keeping my fingers crossed I didn’t catch MRSA or another of those horrors at the hospital. If I could turn the clock back would I do it again? At this point the answer is definitely no but I don’t say that trying to put people off as reading the other posts here there are far more success stories than otherwise. There’s no going back and I will try and remember to post the outcome.
Jake
Finally it got annoying enough: I'm a cyclist and the skin started to chafe. The hydrocele was about the size of an egg by then. I stopped taking aspirin 10 days before the surgery. Day of surgery was similar to what's been reported on this site. Checked in at 7:00 AM, operation at 8:30 for about 45 minutes, home by 10:30. Great anesthesia drugs! No pain, no hangover, very easy. Took a Percocet when I got home. For the next two days I lay around with ice bags. The doc told me that ice was good for the first 24 hours but did no good after that "but use ice if it reduces the pain." Also, he didn't think there was much correlation between how much walking around I did and the amount of swelling I would experience. "Some people swell a lot (bigger than before) and some don't swell at all."
I took a painkiller three times a day and had very little pain. Today (3 days post-surgery) I've not taken any painkiller. Yesterday there was a little bleeding (about 5 cc's or a teaspoon) and I think that was due to the shower I took the previous evening. The doc said I could shower 24 hours after surgery, but I waited a day and I half. I wish I had waited a little longer to shower so I wouldn't have bloody briefs. They supplied a jockstrap which made things much more comfortable the first night. I've slept well every night, by the way.
Today I'm going to do errands, driving a car for the first time. Pain level is at about 2 or 3, and is focused solely on the incision. None of the "pulling, kicked in the nuts" pain that you have read in other posts. Swelling is minimal, and seems to be decreasing, but I know it could get worse.
So it was an easy procedure. Yes, I'm in excellent health, have great health care (in San Diego) and didn't have the hernias and other issues described in previous posts.
Conclusion: Don't be chicken. If you have a large hydrocele that's embarrassing or painful in any way, get it removed. Piece 'O cake.
Day 3, feeling much better. Swelling has continued to go down some, but still there, mainly towards base of scrotum. Took my first shower today, seemed to do alright. I have a bandage over my stitches, then the entire scrotum is wrapped in this clear plastic that sort of looks like Saranwrap. Assume this is to keep bandage dry. Noticed a little bit of blood as I was drying off, but think it was just residual blood from the surgery and don't really appear to be bleeding. Went to grocery store for first time today. Was able to drive, felt a little uncomfortable but nothing unbearable. Kind of hobbled around grocery store but felt good to get out of the house. Still on Anti Biotic but did not need to take Tylenol today! Still icing a lot. Each day gets so much better.
Day #4 since surgery. Each day gets better and better! Went back to work today. I have a desk job so wasn't too bad. Felt a little uncomfortable to be wearing pants, but got through it. I missed not being able to Ice at work. Bandage was beginning to fall off from showering. Called Doc and said to take it off and just let it breath. Saw incsion for first time, was bigger than I thought, about 2 inches. A little black and blue near incsion area. Feels so much better to have that plastic wrap stuff off my scrotum now. Swelling has gone down some more. Feeling good guys. Don't be afraid, get it done.
Hi guys. Day 13 since my surgery. Feeling really great. Back to walking normal. Shower with ease. Wear pants. Have traveled over the holidays, no big deal. Still taking it easy, not doing anything crazy at all. Swelling has gone down a lot, still some there though, towards the base where stitches are. Stitches are showing signs of dissolving, but still can see some of them. Incision healing very nicely. Most of the bruising and black and blue has all gone away. No pain to speak of. At times I can almost forget that I even had this procedure done. All in all a really positive experience for me. I have Doc post op follow up after the new year, and will report back afterwards.
Questions for the group:
How long did you wait to masturbate? I get holding off on the real deal, but kind of need to take care of business. Doc says I can go for it when I feel ready, but have been holding off.
I'm a really fit/active guy and miss working out. Does anyone have any advise on how or when they incorporated exercise back into the mix?
Thanks!
Expected recovery to be fairly straightforward and to be back to work in 4-5 days based on many other's experiences here. However, day 8 and I'm still home, taking vicadin and staying off of my feet as much as possible. Pain is mainly when standing and is a burning sensation mainly near the location of the drain (removed after 24 hours). No signs of infection (redness, fever, puss, etc.), so doctor (urologist) says it's likely just the pressure from the post-op fluid buildup in the scrotum on the healing wound. Fact that it doesn't hurt lying down suggests he's right. However, it's pretty intense - I'd say my pain threshold is average, and I can't stand it for more than a minute or two. Expecting another few days at least of this. Also have two small benign cysts (spermatoceles) on the other side that are not worth worrying about or removing, but the added pressure definitely makes them uncomfortable.
Reading posts here makes me realize there is a range of recovery times that could be based on a wide variety of factors. My doctor said that the membrane of the tunica was pretty thick, which could be part of the story. But definitely need to be patient - he says 6 weeks is a better time to evaluate the success of the surgery. I'll be using that as my reference point to decide if I made the right decision on the surgery (although there's obviously no turning back!). May also reconsider what it means to have "minor" surgery.
Good luck to anyone else going in for this.
Sorry for the delay. Had my post op follow up visit on Jan 3rd, which puts that about 2 1/2 to 3 weeks from surgery day. Visit went really well. Stitches have all dissolved, and everything looks to be healing very nicely. My doc was really awesome, not sure what it's called exactly, but there is a natural vertical line on the scrotum, that sort of divides it in half. Well he did his incision exactly on this line. So the scar sort of blends in perfectly, kind of cool. I still have a tiny bit of swelling, I would say maybe 10%, doc says this will go away in a few weeks. I received the green light to begin jogging on a treadmill and light to moderate weight training, super excited about this. Ran a few times last week, and did upper body weights this past weekend, which was at the 3 1/2 week marker. Took it easy nothing crazy.
Sexual activity is back to normal. Feels awesome, erections look a whole lot bigger when that massive testical is out of the picture. In response to my previous question, I masturbated at week 2 and it was awesome.
This is the best thing I have ever done. Clothes look so much better, don't have to be worried about looking like I have this huge bulge in my pants. My confidence and self esteem have greatly increased.
I realize my results are not the same as others, but hope this info is helpful to some as you debate having this procedure.
Good luck!
Thanks for the information, I guess it's good to hear that what I am experiencing is "normal". I still am concerned because it seems like the scrotum has fluid in it still and the testicle is seriously the size of an egg. It's very frustrating when I am icing, wearing an uncomfortable jock strap and sitting as much as possible for work and it still seems like it's not getting any smaller. I do remember that the doctor said it would take some time and too also be patient because mine was not a normal case the hydrocele had calcified and that he had to use scissors which isn't usually used to cut the hydrocele out, after reading so many posts about a couple weeks and everything is normal got me really frustrated about the surgery and if I would need another etc..
I will post more info after follow up on Jan 27th I am hopeful more positive news and "back to normal"
Just pulled up the hydrocele website. Had not seen it since last July. Hope you will post how you are feeling and doing now. How old are you? Age and other health factors can make a difference in recover. I am 32 years old. I had a hydrocele the size of an orange on my left testicle and one much larger on the right one. Had surgery on May 1, 2011. My surgery was somewhat different than most men's. I had a rupture on both testicles the doctor fixed and healing took much longer. Two weeks after surgery I was getting "hard on" and doctor told me that was fine. He told me to massage my penis and get a good release as often as I needed. However, since I had a double rupture fixed he did not me engaging in sex for 3 months. The ruptures should have been fixed much sooner as they were big. My ruptures were really causing problems. I had numerous erections but was not able to masturbate. Semen was going back into the kidneys and out. Two weeks after surgery when I had erections I had no problems either but if I moved my penis on the right or left I would get sharp pains which the doctor said some men get. I had a much longer incision in my scrotum than most men need since I had ruptures fixed. It was well over 2 inches. My scrotum was very swollen for a good month as were my testicles and then gradually swelling went down. I took Ibuprofin for 5 weeks. 0nly took prescription pain killers two days. Healing took longer for me since I am diabetic. It took 4 months before I felt good enough to have sex. Doing fine wih sex now and masturbating good. My testicles have been somewhat enlarged since I was 25 and still are but not nearly as large since the hydrocele deal was fixed. My scrotum is still sensitive but not sore when I or my partner feel it. Dr. says that will take a long time after a long incision right down the middle. I hope you will post how you are doing and how long it took you to get back to normal. Wish I would have had the surgery several years sooner. Talked to a 42 year old man who said it took him 6 weeks to get back to normal after his singele hydrocele surgery. Another 23 year old man had double hydrocele surgery and went back to work 6 days later and was masturbating very well in a week. He started having sex again he third week. It all epends on the individual, how fast they heal, how much discomfort they tolerate, etc.
Please keep us posted after your surgery this week. Will be thinking of you. You have a good support system from this website. Hope the surgery for hydrocele and removal oe one testicle solves the problem.
Thanks to all for your comments and insight!
Had rupture surgery on both right and left testicle at age 16. There seems to be a history of males having had ruptures on their testicles in my elatives. I must check with doctor to see why this might be. Ruptures on both sides came back at age 19 and urologist monitored things closely. Discomfort gradually got worse and truss was not helping hold ruptures up and in. Ruptures were coming down and not staying up when I pushed thewm back in gently as doctor showed me how to do. At age 26 urologist did surgery numebr 2 and used mesh in hopes things would be strengthened and no more ruprures in the future.
I was doing well from July, 2011 hydrocele dual surgery and saw urologist again in Dec., 2011. Was having pain in my left testicle area but uroligist said it had nothing to do with hydrocele surgery. Rupture was developing again and he wanted to monitor it. Wanted to see me again in early march, 2012. Well I was not feeling good and so much discomfort in left testicle. Rupture was hanging and I was having problems keeping it pushed back in place. Some discomfort developing in right testicle now, also. So made early appointment and saw Doc on Jan. 26. He was very concerned andquestioned me thoroughly on lifestyle: lifting, sex, etc. He said there definitwely was a big rupture on left side and one developing on right side. He advised me to quit bedtime activity for awhile till he saw me again. He couldn't understand why the mesh was coming loose. He wants a second opinion for both he and my sake. He says surgery #3 will be a must before long as he is concerned about rupture on right side becoming estrangulated and life threatening. Urologist will not do just rupture repair again as ruptures could return and he said there is no need to put a man through all this surgery so many times. He said onloy way he would do surgery would be to repair ruprures and remove both testicles so ruptures would not occur again. he told me if I was not willing he would advise me to see another surgeon. Feb. 3 urologisy has me set up to see another specialist in cedfar Rapids. 0n Feb. 15 I will see my urologist and he will review what second opinion recommended and decide who is to do what type fo surgery and when.
Am taking things slow as this is somewhat difficut for me thinking I will be losing both testicles. Urologist told me as young as I am I should be able to have erections and enjoy sex but would not be able to masturbate or father children. We are just thinking about starting a family and now this comes up. Urologist wants me to see medical counseling before surgery and to get into a support group. he said support grous for men with male problems have just started in the last several years. he wants me to gather as much informaion as possible, think about things and make a good decision.
I am trying to stay positive. I relaize that many young women have to have complete hysterectomies but why are we men not able to accept our male problems when something arise? I am going todeal with things and hope I don't lose both testicles but will accept whatever happens.
This website is great but need your advice. Pleae help.
Nxt appt in feb 22 hopefully I will have better news once I see the doctor.
One of the reasons I got the surgery was that my testicle felt like it was getting pushed back and up, and it definitely looked like it had shifted. I saw two urologists and both were unconcerned by this and dismissed it -- which was a bit annoying -- and focused on the size of the hydrocele. My GP said perhaps the hydrocele had pushed it a bit. Has anyone experienced this? Many thanks and quick recovery to all.
I had an inguinal hernia repair (surgery) roughly a year ago that didn't go so well. My left testicle was grapefruit sized, doctor said it would go away after a while. For the most part it did, until it stopped shrinking at 3-4 times normal size. I had it looked at again by a different doctor, told him the situation, he said it was a hydrocele.
I was told there was an operation to return it to normal size and scheduled the operation. I had the procedure on the first of March (last week) and I'm healing slowly but steadily. It looks like a rotweiler got hold of my left nut with all the bruising and bleeding, and people look at me like I've been raped when they see me walk. Other than that, I take the meds they gave me when it hurts.
What I don't understand is people walking around with a pineapple sized nut when there is an operation to fix it. With such a small recurrance rate and few risks there should be little reason not to have the operation.
Just do it.
Let me reiterate, under armor jock strap (the micro fiber type) worth every penny! $15 each.
Make sure you dont return to activity to soon. I am now 8 weeks after my surgery, and after taking up bike riding again am now off work as my testicle has swollen to about the size of a baseball. IF anyone has any tips on treating the swelling I would love to hear it.
I am 53 years old and had hydroelectomy on both sides on Dec. 28. Hang in ther. It takes more time for some men than for others. I had general anesthesia and was home by 1:00 PM. No pain but some discomfort after anesthesia wore off. I could easily tolerate . Have had several surgeries over the years and this was not bad. No prescription pain pills needed even though Doc prescribed some. Used extra strength tylenol for 4 days at bedtime and nothing now. Both testicles are still swollen but gradually going down. I am not comfortoable to have sex but no problem with that. Good luck to all of you men.
today is my 7th day after the surgery from my right side. I feel much better. It still not been at normal size i read above that some takes longer than other. I just want to know what is the normal time length that should take to heal and get back to the normal? Please let me know.
It took me 9 weeks to get back to normal. Am diabetic and that takes longer, also.
testicle, sac, blood, serous, stitch
Today was my 1 month follow-up with the doc, but I'll start out with my condition as of week 2. I've had some, but little drainage (medically known as: serous fluid) with a little blood for several weeks from the stitched areas. I noticed a stitch end hanging out and lighly pulled it. A small piece with a knot came out easily (it obviously was serving no purpose at that point). I pulled on another stitch with a loose end, but that was still stuck...so I left it alone. Fast forward to yesterday (end of week 4) and I still had serous fluid and a bit of blood from 3 of the stitch areas. So I decided to lightly squeeze and roll the area with my fingers (cleaned, of course) and a stitch literally popped out of each of the 3 areas (a couple of ml long with a knot). Apparently those 3 were having trouble disolving. Anyhow, those areas seem to be healing better now.
To Worried Mom, I hope the best for your son. Temps = infection, but you did well by keeping in contact with your Dr. and going to the ER. He's young, so he's better off in the healing and mending department then a lot of us older guys on here.
I delveoped a hydrocele about 2 years ago. It stayed small for about a year, then blew up to the size of an orange. I whent saw a urologist and schedualed a surgery. Then after reading a ton of horablie stuff from people having it done I backed out. Well 6 months later I finnaly decided it was time to do it. I had mine don april 1 2012, I was put under for it and woke about an hour later. Coming out of surgery your so doped up theres no pain. I have a physical job and took a week off. I spent the first 3 days on the couch taking the meds. Your tesical is going to swell and most likly be larger then it was before the surgery. Where a jock strap for support it helps alot. An ice pack will also help with pain and swelling. After the third day I began to feel much better. Its now 10 days since my surgery and I have ZERO pain and the size of my testical is going down everyday. Its now a bit smaller then before the surgery. My doc says it could take up to 2 months for it to get to normal size. Im having a very good experience with this surgery and recovery. I know some people arent as lucky, but im very happy I stepped up and had it done. All the bad stuff I read on the internet swayed me to live with my hydrocele much longer then I should have. If your suffering from a larger unconfortalbe hydrocele, get it taken care of. Heres a few tips I think might help:
Make sure your dodctor is familur with hydroceles and has preferom many procedures on them. My doc said he had dome 100's of these before mine.
If you have a light office job you might beable to go back to work 3 days after the surgery.
If you have a physical job plan for 7-10 days off after the surgery.
Take the pain pills for the first few days. I took them for two days after (helped with sleeping).
Use and Ice pack 30mins on 30mins off.
Get yourself 2 jock straps as they get sweaty and nasty and youll want to wash them. The support they provide helps alot with pain.
Bottom line for me is, I feel fortunate that my surgery went well and that my recovery is going well. I now realize that I am not going bounce right back and resume normal activities. That includes jumping on my ride around mower and things like that.
I will post a follow up in a few days
I went back to normal activities on Thursday & Friday. There was no soreness or any discomfort . I still have some swelling, but nothing like before or after the operation. I have a follow up Doctors visit next Monday.
Bottom line so far is, I feel very fortunate on my recovery, both time wise and the lack of complications.. I do realize that I need to be carefull and not over do it.
Will do a follow up post after Doctor visit.
The surgery and recovery were uneventful. Surgery took about an hour to complete both procedures, and I was recuperating at home within 2 hours of completion. I was prescribed hydrocodone for pain and a stool softener to alleviate constipation that often accompanies pain management medication. I took a total of four pain pills over two days and then switched to ibuprofen for a day. All in all, pain was negligible and easily managed with the hydrocodone and ibuprofen.
I spent about two days taking it really easy in bed and on the couch, as I was warned by the surgeon to not be too active no matter how good I felt. On the third day I was considerably more active around the house and took a walk with my wife and kids. By two weeks after surgery I had fully resumed normal activities including running and yard work.
Today, two and a half weeks after surgery, the swelling is almost completely gone and it is great to see two normal-sized testicles after living with the hydrocele for nearly three years. The incision is completely healed, albeit a little sensitive to the touch because of the new skin that has formed.
I would definitely recommend the surgery to anyone considering it. I am very happy with the outcome and feel significantly less self-conscious because the large bulge in my crotch is gone.
The pain has been excruciating and remains quite painful, so far I have traded a grapefruit for a small melon, having difficulty walking.
Even with the Tylenol 3's every 4 hours for the first 2 days and now Extra Strength Tylenol every 4 hours. Checked the internet for the Savlon Cream you mentioned, but it's not available in the US or Canada. This post surgery is not coming along very quickly, I'm hoping this will change soon. I'm also finding the posts very helpful.
Saw my Dr. and he explained that a hematoma (localizes collection of blood) in the left scrotal testicle. I see him again on June 14th at which time if the swelling has not gone down it will require surgery with 'home care' post surgery.
I wonder why I'm so lucky, but then again I think of what poor old 'Still Swollen' has gone through.
perhaps you could send it to my email address. hankleclair@rogers.com
I live in Ottawa Ontario.
Many thanks,
Hank
I;m having the same problem would you be so kind to let me know how the problem was resolved please
hankleclair@rogers.com
GOING BACK TO PRE OP IN A FEW DAYS AND BACK TO SURGERY JUNE 15. DRAINS WILL BE PUT IN AND LOOKED AFTER BY "DAYCARE" FOR UP TO 3 WEEKS.
WILL...FROM YOUR WRITE UP BELEIVE ME YOU ARE DOING REAL WELL. 'UNDER ARMOUR' AMAZON IS THE WAY TO GO.
So a week after my original op i had a second procedure to get rid of the hematoma. This was done to make the recovery time a lot shorter and because i did not want to miss summer with friends, i had it done.
Now 2 weeks after the second op (3 weeks after the first) the swelling is still there, but a lot smaller (about double the size of my other testicle). The skin around the wound is very dry and flaky and the Dr. tells me this is part of the healing process, although i haven't seen anyone on here with similar symptoms. Also the skin is quite mishapen and more wrinkly than normal, but i've been informed that the scrotum is what is called 'forgiving skin' which means that it should all be ok in due time. Numerous hospital staff have told me that the swelling will all gone by the end of the month (July) although i find that hard to believe...
Hope this helped a few of the teenagers going through this, although i've been ensured that i was just unlucky and it shouldn't happen normally! Also wanted to ask if anyone else has been getting dry skin or if i should contact my Dr. again? And does anyone know of any way to speed up the recovery time - just i don't want to miss all of summer! Another thing... How long does it take for the scar from the op to not be too noticeable? Thanks.
17 year old son had 1st hydrocelectomy Sept 2011 (see post 299), 2nd surgery Nov 2011 after hydrocele returned. 2nd surgery was a lot less painful than the 1st one, but hydrocele still returned to the size of a grapefruit--requiring a 3rd surgery. Went to Mayo Clinic for this one June 4th and it was a totally different experience--much more like the "normal" experiences above. Mayo stressed the importance of not lifting more than 5 lbs for 4 weeks after surgery and not trying to straddle anything (bike, exercise equipment, horse, etc.) and asked he not lift for 6 weeks due to recurrence. Mike (with 1st doctor's full permission) had started to train on an exercise bike to stay in shape and no doubt lifted well more than 5 lbs--so 3rd time he didn't do anything he didn't have specific permission to do.
For the first 2 weeks the jock was more comfortable and kept the drainage gauze in place better (make sure they don't give you a jock that's too small with extra swelling it's very uncomfortable), but then compression shorts were more comfortable (any sporting goods department carries them). Used triple-antibiotic ointment on the gauze and didn't have any problems with it sticking. Iced the most with this 3rd surgery--started right away and used consistently--hospital gave us long tube shaped ice packs you can fill/refill with crushed ice-- that typically tie around the lower back (but they cut off the strings). Worked perfect for tucking underneath (to lift up) and then over the top for complete icing--worked great.) Keeping the scrotum slightly elevated also helps (if not elevated by icing, roll up a hand towel and tuck it underneath).
The hydrocele was about the size of a large russet potato and I had it for about 4 months. I also developed hip, leg and knee pain about 5 weeks prior to surgery which turned out to be related to the hydrocele as that pain has diminished greatly. The surgery was done on an outpatient basis at a surgical center. Arrived at the center at 11:00 a.m. for paperwork and pre-operative procedures. Wheeled into the operating room at 11:55 a.m. and waking up in recovery less than an hour later. Dull ache was the pain I experienced about a 4 or 5 on a scale to 10 so not bad. Nurse gave me some pain meds and something to drink. Doc prescribed pain meds and antibiotics and I was out of recovery and on the way home by 1:45. Did not have to wait to use the bathroom to leave and no drain to worry about. The surgeon said about a liter of fluid was removed.
The posts on this site were helpful in preparing for after surgery recovery. Prior to surgery purchased 3 Under Armour jock straps from sporting good store, gauze pads, etc... Used pain meds the first night and about once a day the next two days. Pain level was manageable and relativesly low. I was able to sit comfortably. Iced heavily the first 3 days with two gel ice packs - one underneath and one on top. Then used heat for two days. Doc also prescribed meds to reduce swelling beginning a couple of days post surgery. Since Monday I have been relatively pain free. Also, I had hardly any bleeding at all from the wound - very, very minor.
Go for follow up with surgeon on Friday. So far, the whole process has not been bad at all for me. Seems as though the surgeon makes all the difference.
I have a mild stenosis of the lower spine ,so I know that lying on my back during this last 7 weeks has made my siadica nerve act up and I have had pain in my leg after lying down too long. The swelling on my inneer thigh is waht has me worried. Has anyone else had swelling ,after hydrocelectomy surgery, in the inner thigh.
I have noted various opinions about undergoing a hydrocele procedure. Mine is scheduled in the middle of February 2013 and should at the very least provide for an interesting Valentines Day. I believe my hydrocele originated from a sports injury "shot in the nuts"! as a 10 year old boy. Subsequently in my late thirties, I had a vasectomy; I remember then my doctor commenting about the scar tissue on my right testicle from my childhood injury during the procedure. I am almost 50 now and based on what I have read throughout these entries is OUCH!
P.S Thank you for your insights...
I will update when avalable.
Thank and regards
Kamal.
Hydrocele Sclerotherapy should be first treatment, then the less invasive scope surgery done through a small incision. Little reason to go through all the pain.
3 office visits: $405 [$135/visit]
1 scrotal ultrasound: $200
hydrocelectomy: $600
Total medical cost: $1,205
I was responsible for paying my in-network deductible of $500. The remainder was covered by Blue Cross/Blue Shield insurance. I hope this was helpful to someone.
I had a bilateral done on the 3rd June, so I'm on day 6 now. Both of mine were about the size of lemons; not too big, but not small enough to be comfortable anyway. So, went in for the surgery with a general, woke up and the urologist said he found that the left testicle was super inflamed and angry-looking - he's surprised I didn't notice any discomfort in the days leading up to the operation. Anyway, he said he managed to get both of them done, and sent me home with a 3-week course of antibiotics (for the inflammation)and painkillers.
Anyway, my right testicle right now is probably about the size it was before the surgery (was bigger but swelling is finally starting to go down), the left one is probably about double the size and pretty painful to the touch (which I'm guessing that, now that the hydrocele is gone, it's no longer cushioning the testicle itself). The thing that really surprised me for the first 3 days is just how insane the swelling was. Even my penis itself got all swollen and angry looking. Ugh. I'm still resting, and moving around the house very little.
Seems you really can't get enough rest and elevation after this boy; it's a tough one. One thing I'd definitely recommend is shaving (or waxing) EVERYTHING down there before the surgery. Back of your legs, insides of your legs, above and around the scrotum, and the scrotum itself. It'll help keep things clean and help remove the tape afterwards.
Also I would have loved to have not had a full surgery but was told and everything i read was that draining or Aspiration is highly un-effective as it will come back. Everything with my surgery went good, little pain for a week. But my nut feels deformed and like a broken sausage is inside me. Figure its just the sew job he did and it should go away with time? Anyone else have this issue?
I actually came accross this site a few weeks before I was scheduled to have my hydrocelectomy and everything that I read was very helpful. I had my own proceedure done on June 20th but it turned out that it was actually a large spermatocele. The proceedure itself wasn't bad at all. The first day was a bit painful and the 2nd most painful event was having the drainage tube pulled out. I did remain in the hospital a few days because the doctor wanted to keep an eye on things. After returning home I didn't need any more pain medication and I think recovery has been going pretty well. My only complaint is that the little bit of swelling that is still there makes it a bit awakward for me to walk. Parts of mt scrotum where the sticthes still are is still sensitive so I have to walk a bit carefully as not to pull anything. I am looking forward to swelling decreasing a little more so that I can walk long distances again and also get back into the gym.
By the way, the hair growing back down there after it had been shaved was very very annoying. :-)
I'm only 25 and I just recently had my surgery done. My Hydrocele was about 6 inches long and 4 inches wide. It had become very uncomfortable. August 6th so its been exactly one week. Coming out of the surgery I was in a great deal pain and stayed at the hospital for about 3 hours after until they decided to do an ultrasound and check everything out. Everything looked fine and there was a healthy blood flow to the testicle. I went home after that and was pretty much on bedrest for the rest of that day.
One week later now and looking at my incision which was across my right side, it looks pretty good. There isn't very much swelling and I feel almost no pain at all. The scrotum is funny looking at the moment because of how much it was stretched by the hydrocele. I was told it would return to a more normal looking state. I feel everything is going great, my only worry is my insicion. I don't know if stitches were used or just surgical glue. The glue is coming off now and i don't really like how deep the insicion still looks. I guess I should ask my doctor but I haven't had my post-op yet and I figure since everything else looks good and there's no pain I can wait until then.
Any comments are appreciated and I would be glad to answer questions. I had a great doctor as well.
Best of luck to everyone and wishing a speedy recovery to all.
First day was mostly sleepy and nodded off due to anaesthetic.
Second day a little bleeding onto a pad supported by an elastic mesh support pant, told I could take it off after the first 24 hours but kept it on as it gave support.
Ok, third day no pain on pain killers paracetamol & ibuprofen alternating every 2hr's this seems to help. All I've had in the way of pain is a dull ache a bit like after being kicked in the clusters :o)), this is worse if you don't use a support pant and the ache gets worse towards the end of the day. Sleeping with a pillow between knees so I can sleep on my side.
Day four same as day three ache had shower bled a little after but very small like a scratch on finger.
Day five when will this ache end. Bruising dark in colour as described in previous posts. Bored so watching walking dead on TV LOL.
All ok but still need support pant I now have this on outside of boxer shorts like Batman.
Day six, typing this email for you all. Never had any swelling or pain don't feel like the elephant man any more.
Conclusion
It's better than I expected BTW no drain tube is used on the N.H.S and any swelling or blood will go after a long time absorbed back into your system that was the advice. Get it done and then get on with your life. All the best Trev.
Very little in the way of ache. Also the nut is hard, I was told this is normal as it's been exposed to the air and will take quite some time to soften up so look out for that one and don't worry about it. I've almost completely recovered, I was told that it will be another week before I can lift anything heavy but that's not much of a problem. Not being able to drive for a couple of weeks after the operation is more of a pain than the operation however I feel I would have no problem driving today if I had to. Biggest shock was that small amount of blood on the fourth day after my shower. The stiches are now just about dissolved.
Most important advice is don't push it, even if you feel ok give yourself time to recover.
Thanks to the N.H.S, and thanks to the walking dead for those tips on walking.
All the best, hope you all recover without complications.
Note to Rick blood in water always looks more than it is as the water dilutes it quite a bit.
My double hydrocelectomy was done three days ago and recovery seems to be consistent with other cases I have read about here.
I was surprised at the small size of the incision, but ready for the blackening and onset of a dull pain. I took off the supporter after getting home. It seemed to be hurting more than helping. Things appear to be going quite well now, and, there seems to be relatively little need for trepidation. At this point I am very pleased.
Thanks again, everybody
I myself had my hydrocelectomy December 16, surgery went well had my left side worked on so i have a 2" incision on the side that arches around towards the front. Before, my hydrocele made my left side about the size of a larger kiwi, while the right is like a nice size grape.
I am now 16 days post op and am feeling pretty good with only occasional groin pain. No need for any pain meds now. I was taking percocet for a week and a half along with staying laid up and icing the boys down. I am a nurse so i have got a total of 6 weeks off due to not being allowed to lift a certain amount weight and strenuous activity.
Luckily my girlfriend and mom are also nurses so they have been keeping good care of me.
Incision is looking good, sutures are almost gone and i have been keeping a generous amount of bacitracin on it.
To help with any discomfort i recommend wearing briefs and if you have gauze, i put a line of bacitracin on it then used the briefs to hold it in place. And ice!
I am currently hobbling around well, no jogging or exercise yet and no heavy lifting. I was told not to drive for two weeks either.
Like i said, still occasional pain at times, but alright and on schedule. Doc said no sex for 6-8 weeks, no masturbation either i guess.
Only had a bit of bleeding for about a day postop, otherwise no drainage.
Overall other than those "spike" moments this has been fairly pain free so far ... but years ago I had a vasectomy and the "fun" started the next day. Will report in then. I caught this thing fairly early compared to many on the site as it wasn't nearly as big as others have reported ... so my guess is best bet is to address early and not wait!
Gentlemen, reading your comments has provided me a sigh of relief.
Thanking you all the commentsl
O'Neal
for the first week everything was going ok,then then swelling started, and after 2 weeks from surgery it was the size of an orange and hard as a rock and the pain was unbearable,the pain was also in the leg and lower stomach.
i went to the ER,and they drained the 200cc of clear fluid a gave me antibiotic,
i feel't alot better.
5 days later i was back at the doctor for a second draining.the doctor say that its taking time for my body to start absorbing the fluid,OR that i will need a second surgery because my body may have grown a new tissue around the fluid, and that if this is the case the he can only operate 3 months after the first surgery,
i really dont want to drain every week now,the process of the draining is very painful !!!
if anyone can help me or as been through the same thing to tell me about
thanks
for the first week everything was going ok,then then swelling started, and after 2 weeks from surgery it was the size of an orange and hard as a rock and the pain was unbearable,the pain was also in the leg and lower stomach.
i went to the ER,and they drained the 200cc of clear fluid a gave me antibiotic,
i feel't alot better.
5 days later i was back at the doctor for a second draining.the doctor say that its taking time for my body to start absorbing the fluid,OR that i will need a second surgery because my body may have grown a new tissue around the fluid, and that if this is the case the he can only operate 3 months after the first surgery,
i really dont want to drain every week now,the process of the draining is very painful !!!
if anyone can help me or as been through the same thing to tell me about
thanks
What worked for me was Ice, more ice and ice again plus Jock straps in 4 different sizes and taking it easy for the 1st week.
I just passed one month since my surgery, and I am VERY pleased with the results from the surgery due to a swollen right testicle. It started enlarging about 3 years ago, but in the last year it started swelling larger until it was the size of a small avocado. I would do it again no questions asked! This site was so helpful letting me know what to expect as the surgeon was very vague in what to expect. He made it sound like it was no big deal. Well everything I found here, let me know exactly what to expect and prepare for ahead of time. Below are a few things that might help you along.
1. After the surgery, you want to keep everything in place and not allowed to "Swing" around. As athletic supporters are not very comfortable, I went to the local Jockey underwear store prior to surgery, and purchased 5 pairs of Men's Jockey Bikini underwear. Bikini underwear have come a long way and I was very surprised how comfortable they really are these days. I normally wear spandex blended briefs, but after trying them after the surgery They allowed too much movement. I was VERY glad I got the Bikini's. They were comfortable and held everything in place very well.
3. ICE is your best friend, I got one of an Ice bag with the screw on lid and used crushed ice on it very often for the first 5 days. The doctor said this is probably why I did not have much swelling.
3. I stayed in bed for almost 4 days, only leaving for a small walk around the house, and bathroom and shower breaks. Then started very slowly getting my strength back. I took 2 weeks disability which was plenty as I took it easy after about 10 I really started to notice I was getting better.
4. I read on this blog (But did not follow the advice) that if you are taking Hydrocodone, or any opiate based pain meds, constipation will probably be an issue. Make sure you prepare ahead of time. After day two, After about 30 minutes of pushing and trying I was able to go. That night I went and got some dried prunes (if you don't like them, make sure you have a good laxative). Eating 5 or 6 prunes a night fixed the constipation.
5. Make sure you take care of the scar. I was given triple antibiotic cream and used it after each shower using a Q-tips. Keep it clean and dry. I was shocked at the size and the look of the scar at first. It looked like they just bundled the skin together and was pretty Shocking and ugly at first. As the days go on, the scar settles down and the bunching issue goes away. After 4 weeks, I still have some minor swelling around the incision area but not bad.
6. The Dr. told me I might have significant post op swelling, even larger that I was, but that was not the case in my surgery. Even my wife noted the day after the surgery, that even the fact that I was swollen, it looked SO much better.
7. Full on Sex is out of the question for the first 2 weeks. I had not done anything for about 4 weeks prior to the surgery, but after 5 days my wife gave me a much needed "Massage" with no ill effects.
7. At my 2 week check up my Doctor told me I was doing very well, and could do anything I wanted. As he said, your body will tell you what you can and cannot do. I bought a new roll away toolbox this weekend and that kind of weight was bit too much, but I am okay.
If you are interested in seeing a video of the surgery, go to Youtube.com and search Hyrocelectomy, there are many video's that show you exactly what to expect
My Doctor did my surgery in 16 minutes...
So, if you are having issues with an enlarged testicle, go see your local Urologist and get the surgery. Your problem, in most cases, will not go away. It will only get larger.
When I look at myself after a morning shower, I am very happy I got it done, and my wife is VERY happy!
THANK YOU so much to everyone who so generously shared your experiences and advice. This was extremely helpful. Best wishes to all.
Please ask for post surgical instructions before surgery so you can talk to your doctor about what type of pain medications you should take if possible pick up the medications the day before surgery so you have them when you get home. Also make sure your discharge nurse gives you an Ice pack with your discharge instructions.
Gentlemen as with any surgery you will have pain. Take your pain Medication as directed.
Plan on being a couch potato for at least a week.
Please contact your doctor right away if if you have any problems that seem abnormal to you. Again make sure you get DISCHARGE INSTRUCTION.
Hope this helps.
Pam CNA Short Stay Surgery Recovery.
Overall - yes, it's going to hurt. This is a very sensitive area and cut open, but so far I am so glad I got it done. I should have done this years ago. I am prepared for another week of some pain, but it is getting better each day. I would say day 1 I was about 10% mobile. Day 2 I was 20% mobile. Day 3 about 40% mobile. Day 4 50%. Day 5 (now) about 70%.
Hope this helps someone...feel free to ask questions.
Thanks
2014. What do you tell people who ask you where you're going New Year's Eve?
He also rides a bike and exercises. He is a bit nervous because he also has a lung problem and is afraid of any repercussions after the surgery from his frequent coughing.
Good luck to you and we will follow your posts.
I found the article and the comments very informative. I'm 53 and I think I can live the time I have remaining without having to endure this procedure.
I'm interested in hearing from anyone who has experience managing the condition without having the procedure.
Minimal pain after surgery, spent about 7 hrs total at surgery center. Minimal pain that night at home. Recovery was going
well but after about 5 days the outer stitches apparently dissolved, leaving kind of a gaping wound which then got somewhat
infected. Saw doc and was told it was going to be alright. Pack wound with "wet to dry" dressings and change at least twice
a day. Take antibiotics for a week. Thanks to advice and my wife's nursing skills wound is now closing up nicely infection is
gone (it smelled nasty). Also everything is back to normal size. Expect some blood in ejaculate first couple times - no worries.
I'm hoping to return to work next week so the whole process will be under a month.
I was first diagnosed approx 20 years ago. My sack was the size of a tennis ball. I was returning from a trip to Puerto Rico and while going through the body scanner at the airport I was asked to step back in and pull up my pants. The TSA agent thought I was smuggling something in my pants. He frisked me very thoroughly. It was very embarrassing and I didn't ever want to have to go through that again so that's when I decided it was time.
The morning of the surgery I was very nervous but the nurses at the hospital were very nice and calmed me. They gave me an IV the urologist met with me and explained what he was going to do. They wheeled me into the operating room. I remember sliding into the operating table. Then they told me to think about my best vacation spot ever.
They put warm blankets on me and I went to sleep.
When I woke up it was done. I was surprised at how little pain I had. They gave me coffee and peanut butter crackers. When I went from the bed to the chair it felt like I got kicked in the balls. But then the pain went away pretty much. They gave me a prescription for Percocet. They put a scrotal support strap on me with gauze pads inside.
After wearing that for two days it was extremely uncomfortable so as soon as the 48 hrs was over I took it off and threw it away. After I took the support off my balls felt better until I tried to stand up. It has been a week now since the surgery and my penis is still quite black and blue and swollen. I think my sack has a lot of swelling still and the incision has bled a little over the past few days.
I'm very worried about it still. I find it hard to believe that it will ever go back to normal. There is a three inch vertical incision with several stitches. I've been on the couch every day now. Luckily I own a small business that can function on it own with little supervision.
I had to do this because of not being able to go through airport body scanners without being embarrassed. And worrying about wearing bathing suits, etc. I'm glad I got it done. The recovery kind of sucks but not to much pain just uncomfortable more than anything.
My hydrocele was the size of a large avacado.
The surgery it self went well, they gassed me and an hour later I was in recovery.
I feel a slight discomfort down there 4 hours after the surgery and walking is very slow with small steps. Hopefully my recovery goes well.
I will post again in a week.
There is the no pain but the Swelling is till now in right side testics,tectics looking as egg size.
My doctor says hdrocele fullly recovered in 8 to 10 weeks.
Plz tell how many days to recover the both testics are in equal size.
The incision was at least 3 inches long and is obviously fairly invasive. I was given ibuprofen and paracetamol and a bottle of morphine. My immediate reaction to the morphine was "what do I want that for?" The next day I found out.
The operation itself wasn't a problem. The support put in place was uncomfortable but okay.
The thing that I found most disappointing is that it seems that there are so many different views on how long it takes to recover from this. I have read some that say that you should be able to return to work after four, perhaps seven days. I had two weeks off and am not sure that I should've returned to work after that.
Now some five weeks have elapsed and I am still in some occasional discomfort.
The discomfort generally over the weeks following the operation seems to vary and it is definitely true, in my case, that walking is uncomfortable. Initially I was not able to walk for more than a few hundred yards without pain ensuing. This persisted for several weeks and even now I'm not able to do a good 5 mile cross country walk but this will come.
Best advice I can give is don't leave it too long. Mine has been growing over decades and I should've dealt with it several years ago but the longer you leave it and the older you get the more invasive surgery gets.
Best description I've read above is that is is like being kicked in the bollocks every day, several times a day, but just keep taking the painkillers.
On the positive side it is now healed well and I feel far more comfortable than I did before. It takes of weeks but it does get better.
Good luck!
I'm worried about the procedure, but only worried about pain management and told the doctor. He assured me that he will have me on pain meds as i get out of surgery.
I've heard where men are too afraid to go in and have procedure done, so they take matters in their own hands. I've read comments where men would drain fliud them selves using needles from auto repair shops breaks.
My second surgery by a different Urologist was in early Sept. 2017, one week ago. I have had no pain, no infections and am able to do my normal daily routine. I am wearing a jock strap and some padding but there is no longer any bleeding or discharge. I had a drain for three days. The difference between my first experience and this one is enormous.
My recommendation to any guy needing this surgery is to not be afraid but do your due diligence in selecting a Urologist/Surgeon. For my second surgery I researched doctors in a teaching hospital/medical school and found a surgeon that was a Professor with that teaching hospital. It was located much further from where I lived but for me it was worth the inconvenience.
I am now 55 and had to be the guy whom was the 1% and then became part of the 10% whom operations do not last. I had the second operation 3 months ago and the initial part was easier than the first operation. I had no pain, needed no drugs and swelling went down fast however I was black and blue because a fatty tumor had developed going up around my spermatic chord. This made my procedure more complex and thus more internal blood and bruising.
I feel OK 3 months later however I am concerned now my testicle is not descending. It has been 3 months and I do not remember that being an issue the first operation. I have an post op appt. tomorrow to ask more questions. I feel very lopsided at the moment as my surgery side seems to have gone down in swelling but is not really fluid, almost like stuck in one place. One side hangs down 3 inches further or normal as opposed to the surgery side. I also feel numbness which I was told I would experience but that it would go away. So far it has not.
Being this is the second surgery same side I hope this is not the end result but I am trying to think positive and time will make it better. I'll check back tomorrow.
I honestly think now another 3 months is in the healing.
The day of the surgery I very anxiously arrived to the surgical center at 7am, was prepped and operated on by 7:30-8, woke up in recovery pretty looped up not long after and was out of there by 10am. No pain at first but I knew it would be a while before the anesthesia would wear off and the swelling wasn't too bad. The jock strap they give you is a little uncomfortable but worked great to hold everything in place. The feminine pad idea that everyone talks about on here was a great idea to catch the fluid from the drain tube. Ice, Ice, Ice for the first couple of days!
Two days later I haven't had much pain at all, haven't even taken any of the prescribed pills just Motrin for some discomfort. Drain tube was taken out this morning, that was a breeze. Now just taking it easy, trying to stay laying down as much as possible, which is the most comfortable position. I do have a hematoma but that is being worked out with some hot compresses and will hopefully resolve soon and the rest of recovery will be smooth.
The stories on here helped tremendously to have an idea of what to expect after surgery, I read almost all of them in the days leading up to my procedure. However I do feel there are a disproportionate amount of bad stories so I wanted to make sure to add my positive experience so far. If you are debating the surgery as I was, just do it, trust me its not that bad at all and I now think of how stupid I was to not have just done this sooner rather than live with that discomfort for years. I'll check back with any updates in the coming weeks.
My surgery was December 28, 2017 and everything went well. I too was rather ill informed as to what to expect post surgery; since, my hydrocele was about the size of a baseball hard ball. The cause of my hydrocele was the removal of my left kidney (due to a 2 cm Renal Cell Carcinoma - yes folks CANCER). As I now understand 20% of all men who undergo left kidney removal get a hydrocele in the left testicle. I got mine.
Today is March 15, 2018 and I still have a post surgery swell somewhere between a hard ball and a soft ball. Ya, larger than first started. I asked my surgeon about it and was told it may be that size for several months. It was suggested; I could expect six months to one year before I would see a change. Yuck, and I still can't swing a bat and my wife is getting "well" impatient.
Praying for a change.
I would recommend having the surgery, good luck with your recoveries to everyone who has gone through this already!!
We aspirated some fluid out and it gave me immediate relief. 6 months later it’s still there and causing more pain than ever.
I went back to the urologist department and the Dr. that did my vasectomy is out on medical leave of absence so I saw a new Dr. he had me redo an ultrasound and said I had a “complex hydrocele†which means there is some separations inside the scrotum and said aspiration would not work and surgery is the option. I am worried about the pain. More specifically because Part of my current pain is being caused by the hydrocele pushing on a small epididymal cyst on my left testicle. Has anyone expertienced that before? I’m worried the swelling from the surgery will cause more discomfort by adding more pressure than the hydrocele is.
I am going to schedule the surgery and I am very anxious about lasting pain that does not resolve. Send prayers my way and any advice is much appreciated. I will update after.
Thanks for everyone posting on this board as it is very helpful
Showed up at the hospital about an hour before the procedure, they prepped me, gave me something for nerves and wheeled me back.
Was put under, so no pain during procedure which lasted about an hour. Woke up with a feeling like Mike Tyson used my sack as a speed bag. Was given pain meds through IV and that helped. I was wheeled back the my room, changed clothes (they put me in a jock strap which I used for a week) and left within the hour.
Took the pain meds as required for 2 days then switched to extra strength Tylenol and took pain med at night to help sleep. Had a penrose drain in for 4 days, then went back the the urologist office and he removed it. That drain was incredibly uncomfortable.
My testicle was swollen to about the size of a baseball after the procedure due to surgical edema.
Spent the next week mostly in the bed, getting up for small walks (300-500 steps) couple times a day.
Went back to work two weeks after the procedure. I was still really sore, swollen and uncomfortable.
I am now 5 weeks post op and still have swelling along the incision and on the outside (closest to my thigh) of my scrotum. My testicle is about half the size it was before the procedure. It is still very tender to the touch but especially at these two spots. I still have some achiness that gets a bit worse as the day goes on.
I would not be able to jog right now if I wanted too, but I have been walking 1-3 miles a day this past week.
I am hoping all this resolves in the next 2-4 weeks. I am getting weary of being uncomfortable. I will post another update in a few weeks.
FYI: 34 year old active male
I am in my mid twenties and I had the hydrocelectomy procedure on my right nut. The second one actually. The size before was quite huge due to the fluid, and made me so uncomfrotable because it bulged crazy! I had to draw the fluid myself, frequently. Anyway, it's been 6 months now after the surgery and my question is in regards to levelling up. I mean, when the testicles hang, the treated nut (right) won't hang all the way even after continous jockstrapping, so the left one drops like an inch longer. When should I expect them to be at the same level? Or why is it like so?
Thanks.
Had the hydrocele for 26 years. 47 year old male. About the size of a lemon. Just got tired of the discomfort. Little pain but nothing crazy. Stitches will disolve on their own,No drain tube or pain meds. Just told to elevate and ice. Taking Advil and Antibiotics, I will update in a few days. Glad to finally get the nerve to get it fixed.
I am 10 weeks out from my hydrocelectomy on my right testicle, and it still "hangs" higher than it did before the procedure. It has loosened up a small amount since the procedure, but nothing like it originally was before the hydrocele formed. Even after taking hot bathes to loosen up down there, the left one hangs a inch or so lower than the right. I have no idea what happens down there to cause this, but it seems to be a common thing after the procedure.
My incision also is still sore to the touch and the right testicle is still tender on the right side. Did anyone else experience some tenderness/discomfort 2-3 months out from the procedure on the testicle and at the incision site?
They said no pain, some slight swelling expected after.
We'll, that was the most pain that I've experienced in my life. No doubt. I screamed.
I found out afterwards that the testicle accidently got popped out of the scrotum, as the incision was made too small. This put excruciating torsion and pain on me enough to ask to stop.
It was botched. I feel duped and pissed. I could barely drive home as the pain was relentless.
It also caused my back to spasm as I was awake and reacting and bracijf from the horrific pain.
I would never do it awake again nor recommend it in case this happened to you.
Words cannot describe the pain.
I had my procedure done on my right testicle at the Bumrungrad Hospital in Bangkok. This is a world-class hospital so the level of attention is beyond most Western hospitals. The anesthesiologist asked me if I wanted full anesthesia or spinal blockage and explained both in detail. I didn't feel like being present at all, so I went for the full knock-out. I woke up about an hour later in the recovery room, and after that rolled up to my room, where I spent the night. I was sent home the day after, with an antibiotic, 3 painkillers and some tylenol. My doctor told me I oculd see some swelling and even bruising during the first week, but I haven't had any of that, thankfully. No need for ice packs either. I took the meds as prescribed, but didn't really feel any pain over 4-5. Right after I took the Tylenol it would go down to a level 1-2. Walking around home for a few days was a bit uncomfortable and there was some occasional light pain, but I've been through much worse. The incision is about 3 inches long and very clean. I decided to take care of the wound myself, as dressing it is very easy.
I can feel some hard tissue right now inside/around the nut, but the doctor (whom I've seen 3 times since the surgery 2 weeks ago) explained it was normal (tissue stitched inside the sack) and it would go back to normal within 1-2 months. The only difficulty I've had so far is sleeping on my stomach. Two weeks after the surgery my testicle is about the normal size with the exception of the hard tissue inside and the scar of course.
I am very happy I had the surgery, of course, because I had a GREAT surgeon who was VERY careful during the surgery and handled "everything" with a lot of care. This makes the whole difference in any post-op pain. The body remembers the handling, and when the anesthetic wears off, the real pain wakes up. If your surgeon handled you like a butcher during the surgery, your pain will be excruciating. I would talk to your surgeon about this and kind of gauge him/her.
So to those about to get through this, just do it but don't be shy and ask your doctor all the questions you can think of. WRITE a list prior to your consultation or you will forget them. It's not a life-threatening surgery so just relax and let the pros take care of it. Good luck!
I told my wife and couldn't make anything about it. I have to inform two of my cousins ( male nurse and Sociologist) who were agemate to open theirs and compare with mine. It was revealed mine was bigger than theirs. I later thought of how some secret admirer female colleagues that my thing is bigger and I will be surprised how .
After confirmation from my cousins, I rushed to hospital with my wife and the Doctor asked me to do ultrasound which confirmed that I have hydrocele.
I moved to my station where work almost 209km from my family and a particular hospital that have my health records to do a second opinion test. Same result but the fluid was also collected and tested with no trace of infection.
I was asked to see Urologist who later scheduled operation for me.
I did the hydroceletomy on 14th October 2020. The surgery was successful with no pain and my eyes were opened chatting with the team. Only my left scrotum were given anesthesitic. It took less one hour. I was told to go home that but decided to take one night rest at hospital because I have done any operation before and my family is not with me.
Post surgery looks of the left operated is scary. It is now harder than before it was operated and have egg shape. Though, it didn't drop down like pr-operateed one.
I visited the Doctor and he told me it will soon change.
Please what is the problem with me.