Hydrocelectomy
Definition
Hydrocelectomy, also known as hydrocele repair, is a surgical procedure performed to correct a hydrocele. A hydrocele is an accumulation of peritoneal fluid in a membrane called the tunica vaginalis, which covers the front and sides of the male testes. Hydroceles occur because of defective absorption of tissue fluid or irritation of the membrane leading to overproduction of fluid. In addition to filling the tunic vaginalis, the fluid may also fill a portion of the spermatic duct (epididymis) in the scrotum.
Purpose
A hydrocelectomy is performed to correct a hydrocele and prevent its recurrence.
Demographics
Hydroceles are found in male children or adult males (usually over 40). They have no known association with a man's ethnic background or lifestyle factors.
Description
A hydrocele usually appears as a soft swelling in the membrane surrounding the testes. It is not usually painful and does not damage the testes. It typically occurs on one side only; only 7–10% occur on both sides of the scrotum. Inflammation is not usually present, although if the hydrocele occurs in conjunction with epididymitis (inflammation of the epididymis), the testes may be inflamed and painful. The main symptom of a hydrocele that occurs without epididymitis is scrotal swelling. As the hydrocele fills with fluid and grows, the scrotum itself gets larger. Some men may have pain or discomfort from the increased size of the scrotal mass. Hydroceles are usually congenital, found in a large percentage (80% or more) of male children and in 1% of adult males over 40.
The most common congenital hydrocele is caused by a failure of a portion of the testicular membrane (processus vaginalis, a membrane that descends with the testicles in the fetus) to close normally. This failure to close allows peritoneal (abdominal) fluid to flow into the scrotum. Although surgery is the usual treatment, it is not performed until the child is at least two years of age, giving the processus vaginalis sufficient time to close by itself. More than 80% of newborn boys are reported to have a patent (open) processus vaginalis, but it closes spontaneously in the majority of children before they are 12 months old. The processus is not expected to close spontaneously in children over 18 months.
In adults, hydroceles develop slowly, usually as a result either of a defect in the tunica vaginalis that causes overproduction of fluid, or as a result of blocked lymphatic flow that may be related to an obstruction in the spermatic cord. Hydroceles may also develop as a result of inflammation or infection of the epididymis; trauma to the scrotal area; or in association with cancerous tumors in the groin area. A hydrocele can occur at the same time as an inguinal hernia.
Hydroceles can be treated with aspiration or surgery. To aspirate the collected fluid, the doctor inserts a needle into the scrotum and directs it toward the hydrocele. Suction is applied to remove (aspirate) as much fluid as possible. While aspiration is usually successful, it is a temporary correction with a high potential for recurrence of the hydrocele. Aspiration may have longer-term success when certain medications are injected during the procedure (sclerotherapy). There is a higher risk of infection with aspiration than with surgery.
Generally, surgical repair of a hydrocele will eliminate the hydrocele and prevent recurrence. In adults, surgery is used to remove large or painful hydroceles. It is the preferred method of treatment for children over two years of age. It is also standard practice to remove hydroceles that reoccur after aspiration.
Patients are given general anesthesia for hydrocele repair surgery. A hydrocelectomy is typically performed on an outpatient basis with no special precautions required. The extent of the surgery depends on whether other problems are present. If the hydrocele is uncomplicated, the doctor makes an incision directly into the scrotum. After the canal between the abdominal cavity and the scrotum is repaired, the hydrocele sac is removed, fluid is removed from the scrotum, and the incision is closed with sutures. If there are complications, such as the presence of an inguinal hernia, an incision is made in the groin area. This approach allows the doctor to repair the hernia or other complicating factors at the same time as correcting the hydrocele. Some surgeons use a minimally invasive laparoscopic approach to repair a hydrocele. The operation is performed through a tiny incision using a lighted, camera-tipped, tube-like instrument (laparoscope) that allows the passage of instruments for the repair while displaying images of the procedure on a monitor in the operating room .
Diagnosis
Diagnosis will begin with taking a careful history, including sexual history, recent injury, or illnesses, and observing signs and symptoms. Hydroceles can sometimes be diagnosed in the doctor's office by visual examination and palpation (touch). Hydroceles are distinguished from other testicular problems by transillumination (shining a light source through the hydrocele so that the tissue lights up) and ultrasound examinations of the area around the groin and scrotum.
Preparation
The patient will be given standard pre-operative blood and urine tests at some time prior to surgery. Before the operation, the physician or nurse will explain the procedure, the type of anesthesia to be used, and, in some cases, the need for a temporary drain to be inserted. The drain will be placed during surgery to reduce the chances of post-operative infection and fluid accumulation.
Aftercare
Immediately following surgery, the patient will be taken to a recovery area and checked for any undue bleeding from the incision. Body temperature and blood pressure will be monitored. Patients will usually go home the same day for a brief recovery period at home. Follow-up appointments are usually scheduled for several weeks after surgery so that the doctor can check the incision for healing and to be sure there is no infection. The patient may notice swelling for several months after the procedure; however, prolonged swelling, fever, or redness in the incision area should be reported to the surgeon immediately.
Risks
Hydrocelectomy is considered a safe surgery, with only a 2% risk of infection or complications. Injury to spermatic vessels can occur, however, and affect the man's fertility. As with all surgical procedures, reactions to anesthesia, bleeding from the surgical incision, and internal bleeding can also occur.
Normal results
Surgery usually corrects the hydrocele and the underlying defect completely; recurrence is rare. The long-term outlook is excellent. There may be swelling of the scrotum for up to a month. The adult patient is able to resume most activities within seven to 10 days, although heavy lifting and sexual activities may be delayed for up to six weeks. Children will be able to resume normal activities in four to seven days.
Morbidity and mortality rates
Chronic infection after surgical repair can increase morbidity. There are no instances reported of death following a hydrocele repair.
Alternatives
A hydrocele is most often a congenital defect that is commonly corrected surgically. There are no recommended alternatives and no known measures to prevent the occurrence of congenital hydroceles.
Resources
BOOKS
"Disorders of the Scrotum." Section 17, Chapter 219 in The Merck Manual of Diagnosis and Therapy , edited by Mark H. Beers, MD, and Robert Berkow, MD. Whitehouse Station, NJ: Merck Research Laboratories, 1999.
Sabiston, D. C., and H. K. Lyrly. Essentials of Surgery . Philadelphia, PA: W. B. Saunders Co., 1994.
Way, Lawrence W., MD. Current Surgical Diagnosis and Treatment , 10th ed. Stamford, CT: Appleton & Lange, 1994.
PERIODICALS
Chalasani, V., and H. H. Woo. "Why Not Use a Small Incision to Treat Large Hydroceles?" ANZ Journal of Surgery 72 (August 2002): 594-595.
Fearne, C. H., M. Abela, and D. Aquilina. "Scrotal Approach for Inguinal Hernia and Hydrocele Repair in Boys." European Journal of Pediatric Surgery 12 (April 2002): 116-117.
ORGANIZATIONS
National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse. 31 Center Drive, MSC 2560, Building 31, Room 9A-04, Bethesda, MD 20892-2560. (800) 891-5390. http://www.niddk.nih.gov .
OTHER
Dolan, James P., MD. Hydrocele Repair . http://www.kernanhospital.com .
Men's Health Topics. Hydrocele . http://www.uro.com/hydrocele.htm .
L. Lee Culvert
WHO PERFORMS THE PROCEDURE AND WHERE IS IT PERFORMED?
A hydrocelectomy is performed in a hospital operating room or a one-day surgery center by a general surgeon or urologist.
QUESTIONS TO ASK THE DOCTOR
- Why is this surgery necessary?
- How will it improve my condition (my child's condition)?
- Is surgery the only option for correction of this problem?
- How many times have you performed this surgery? What are the usual results?
- How will I (my child) feel after the surgery?
- How soon can I (my child) resume normal activities?
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.