Hydrocele Operation Side Effects

A hydrocele is a medical condition in which fluid accumulates in the scrotal sac surrounding the testicle, causing the scrotum to swell. An operation to remove the hydrocele is commonly used, but it can cause side effects.

The purpose of hydrocelectomy is to remove the hydrocele and alleviate symptoms such as pain, discomfort, and limited mobility in the affected testicle. Hydrocelectomy is also known to help improve self-esteem and quality of life in men experiencing hydrocele.

Symptoms of hydrocele may include persistent swelling or lump in the scrotum, discomfort or pain in the scrotum, and difficulty moving or even speaking due to the tightening of the scrotal sac. Hydrocele surgery is typically recommended when other methods of treatment, such as sclerotherapy or hydrocephalostomy, are not successful.

Some common side effects of hydrocelectomy surgery include infection, bleeding, wound dehiscence, and respiratory depression. Estimated recovery time for hydrocelectomy surgery can range from a few days to a few weeks, and patients are advised to include adequate rest, exercise, and wound care in their recovery. Patients should consider discussing potential complications and side effects with their surgeon before deciding on surgery.

What Are the Side Effects of Hydrocele Surgery? 

Here are the side effects of hydrocele surgery! If you are having any side effects after the hydrocele surgery, consult with your urologist to get all the answers.

Side Effect	Description
Pain and Discomfort	Pain and discomfort around the surgical site are common side effects after hydrocele surgery. This can vary from mild to severe and may persist for several days to weeks post-surgery. Pain medication prescribed by the doctor can help manage this discomfort.
Swelling	Swelling in the scrotum and surrounding areas is typical after hydrocele surgery. It may take some time for the swelling to subside completely, and the scrotum may appear larger than usual immediately after the procedure. Using ice packs and wearing supportive underwear can help reduce swelling.
Bruising	Bruising around the scrotum and groin area is common following hydrocele surgery. This is typically due to the manipulation of tissues during the procedure. Bruising usually resolves on its own over time, but it may take a few weeks for it to completely disappear.
Infection	Infection at the surgical site is a potential risk with any surgical procedure, including hydrocele surgery. Signs of infection may include increased redness, swelling, warmth, pain, or discharge from the incision site. Antibiotics may be prescribed to prevent or treat infections.
Bleeding	Some bleeding from the surgical site is normal after hydrocele surgery. However, excessive bleeding or persistent bleeding should be reported to the doctor immediately. It may require medical attention to prevent complications such as hematoma formation.
Scrotal Hematoma	A scrotal hematoma is a collection of blood within the scrotum, often occurring as a result of bleeding during or after surgery. While small hematomas may resolve on their own, larger ones may require drainage or other interventions by a healthcare professional.
Fluid Build-up (Seroma)	Seroma formation, which is an accumulation of fluid in the scrotum, is a possible side effect of hydrocele surgery. This can cause swelling and discomfort. In some cases, the fluid may need to be drained by a healthcare provider to relieve symptoms.
Nerve Damage	Nerve damage in the surrounding area, such as the scrotum or groin, may occur during hydrocele surgery. This can lead to numbness, tingling, or changes in sensation in the affected area. Nerve damage is typically temporary but may persist in rare cases.
Hydrocele Recurrence	Despite successful surgery, there is a risk of hydrocele recurrence, where fluid re-accumulates in the scrotum. This may necessitate additional treatment or surgical intervention. The likelihood of recurrence varies depending on factors such as surgical technique and underlying causes.
Adverse Reaction to Anesthesia	Adverse reactions to anesthesia, such as nausea, vomiting, dizziness, or allergic reactions, are possible during or after hydrocele surgery. An anesthesiologist will monitor the patient closely to minimize these risks and provide appropriate treatment if any complications arise.

It’s essential for individuals undergoing hydrocele surgery to discuss potential side effects and complications with their healthcare provider beforehand. Additionally, they should follow post-operative instructions carefully and seek medical attention if they experience any concerning symptoms or complications after surgery.

Is a Hydrocele Harmful?

Hydroceles are generally not harmful and may go away on their own without treatment. However, if symptoms and discomfort persist or the hydrocele does not heal on its own, surgery may be necessary to relieve symptoms. Some prognosis for hydrocele treatment also say that large hydrocele may cause discomfort while walking or sitting and an open hydrocele may cause a bump in the scrotum in children. Hydroceles are generally not associated with long-term health problems. It’s recommended to consult a professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.

What Is the Best Age for Hydrocele Surgery?

The best age for hydrocele surgery is usually around 2-3 years old. Surgery is usually recommended if the condition persists past this age. However, for formerly premature infants younger than 60 weeks’ postconceptual age, surgery should be scheduled as soon as possible with 24-hour postoperative care. It’s also important to note that for a congenital hydrocele that is decreasing in size, surgery may be deferred until the child is older. However, for a hydrocele that is stable, surgery may be recommended at a later age. It is best to consult with a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Which Surgery Is Best for Hydrocele?

A hydrocelectomy is recommended for the treatment of hydrocele in children and adults. A hydrocelectomy is a surgical procedure that involves removing or repairing a hydrocele which is a fluid-filled sac surrounding the testicle. The procedure usually takes less than an hour to complete, and the risks include healing issues, infection, swelling, bruising, and scarring.

What Happens if Hydrocele Is Left Untreated?

Hydrocele will not cause immediate harm, but leaving it untreated can result in complications after a certain period. A snapping hydrocele, scarring, and infection are some of the possible complications that can occur if not treated. However, symptoms such as pain, scrotal puffiness, and discomfort may occur. A hydrocelfectomy or hydrocelectomy may be performed to remove the hydrocele if it does not resolve on its own.

Is It Okay to Live with A Hydrocele?

Yes, a hydrocele is usually not dangerous, and it is usually only treated when it causes discomfort or embarrassment, or it gets so large that it threatens the blood supply of the testicle.

How Does Recovery Look Like After Hydrocelectomy?

Recovery after a hydrocelectomy, a surgery to remove a fluid-filled sac around the testicle, typically involves a few days of rest followed by gradual return to normal activities. In the first 1-2 days, expect swelling and discomfort in the scrotum, which can be managed with ice packs and pain medication. You should be able to resume light activities within 2 days, but strenuous exercise and heavy lifting are best avoided for 2-4 weeks to allow for proper healing.

Swelling can persist for several weeks, gradually subsiding as the scrotum returns to its normal size. Using a supportive jockstrap can help minimize discomfort during this time.  Most men can return to work or school within 4-7 days after surgery. It’s important to maintain good hygiene and keep the incision clean and dry to prevent infection. Be sure to follow your doctor’s specific instructions regarding showering, bathing, and wound care.

You might also like: Most Common Urology Procedure and Surgeries

What Is the Success Rate of Hydrocele Surgery?

The success rate of Hydrocele surgery depends on the surgery method applied. While hydrocelectomy is a common and known surgery, methods like sclerotherapy has high success rate as well.

In a 2013 study published in the Journal of Urology, Dr. John Francis et al. investigated the effectiveness of hydrocele aspiration and sclerotherapy with doxycycline. Their findings suggest that this minimally invasive procedure offers a safe and successful option for treating hydroceles. They reported an 84% success rate in resolving hydroceles with a single aspiration and sclerotherapy treatment using doxycycline. This success rate is comparable to surgical intervention (hydrocelectomy) but avoids potential surgical complications and hospital stays.

In a 2021 study by Korkes et al. compared surgery (Jaboulay technique) to sclerotherapy for treating hydroceles. They found that sclerotherapy has a high success rate (92.8%) with minimal complications, a shorter hospital stay (4 hours) and faster recovery time compared to surgery. Additionally, sclerotherapy was significantly less expensive compared to surgery. This study suggests that sclerotherapy may be a preferable treatment option for idiopathic hydrocele over traditional surgery. 

You might also like: Urethral stricture Treatments

How Is a Hydrocelectomy Performed?

Preparation for Surgery: Before the hydrocelectomy procedure, the patient will typically undergo a pre-operative assessment to ensure they are fit for surgery. This may involve blood tests, imaging studies, and a review of their medical history. The patient will also receive instructions on fasting and medication management prior to the surgery.

Anesthesia Administration: Hydrocelectomy is usually performed under general anesthesia, which means the patient will be unconscious throughout the procedure. In some cases, local anesthesia with sedation may be used instead. The choice of anesthesia depends on factors such as the patient’s overall health and preferences, as well as the surgeon’s recommendation.

Incision and Access: Once the anesthesia has taken effect, the surgeon will make an incision in the scrotum or lower abdomen, depending on the type of hydrocele and the preferred surgical approach. For a traditional hydrocelectomy, the incision is typically made in the scrotum. However, for large hydroceles or cases where additional procedures (such as hernia repair) are needed, an incision in the lower abdomen may be preferred.

Fluid Drainage and Sac Excision: After gaining access to the hydrocele sac, the surgeon will carefully drain the fluid from the sac using a needle or suction device. Once the fluid is drained, the sac lining (tunica vaginalis) may be partially or completely excised to prevent fluid accumulation from recurring. The surgeon will take care to preserve surrounding structures such as blood vessels, nerves, and the spermatic cord.

Closure and Recovery: After addressing the hydrocele, the surgeon will close the incision using sutures or surgical staples. In some cases, a drainage tube may be placed temporarily to prevent fluid accumulation and facilitate healing. The patient will then be taken to a recovery area where they will be monitored closely as they wake up from anesthesia. Pain medication and instructions for post-operative care will be provided to ensure a smooth recovery process.

Potential Complications: While hydrocelectomy is generally considered a safe procedure, complications such as infection, bleeding, scrotal hematoma, nerve injury, and recurrence of the hydrocele are possible. Patients should follow their surgeon’s recommendations for post-operative care and report any unusual symptoms or complications promptly for appropriate management. Regular follow-up appointments will be scheduled to monitor recovery progress and address any concerns.

You might also like: Best Treatment for Peyronie’s Disease

Who Should Consider Hydrocelectomy?

Individuals with a moderate or severe hydrocele should consider hydrocelectomy. This surgical procedure targets the fluid sac that causes swelling in the scrotum, effectively offering relief. Those experiencing discomfort from a communicating hydrocele, where the sac is connected to the abdominal cavity, thereby increasing the risk of hernias, are prime candidates. 

Hydrocelectomy, performed under general anesthesia, ensures a relatively safe intervention with low complication rates, contradicting the misconception that complications are common. Post-surgery, patients are often prescribed pain medicine to manage discomfort and are scheduled for a follow-up appointment to monitor recovery, facilitating a smooth return to work or school. Thus, hydrocelectomy serves as a preemptive solution that helps prevent further health issues stemming from the hydrocele.