Hydrocele Surgery/Hydrocelectomy

Hydrocele surgery, also known as hydrocelectomy, is a surgical procedure performed to correct a hydrocele. A hydrocele is a fluid-filled sac surrounding a testicle that causes the scrotum or groin area to swell. While hydroceles are common in newborns and usually resolve on their own, they can also occur in older boys and men due to inflammation or injury within the scrotum.

Reasons for Hydrocele Surgery

Hydrocele surgery is considered when:

The hydrocele is large and causes discomfort or pain.
The hydrocele does not resolve itself over time, especially in adults, where they tend to persist.
The hydrocele affects daily activities or causes embarrassment.
There is a need to rule out or treat other conditions, such as testicular cancer or hernias, that can present with similar symptoms.

Types of Hydrocele Surgery

There are two main types of procedures used to treat a hydrocele:

Excision (Simple Hydrocelectomy): This involves making an incision in the scrotum or lower abdomen to remove the hydrocele sac. This is the most common approach and is typically used for communicating hydroceles that might be associated with a hernia.
Plication (Jaboulay's or Lord's Procedure): Rather than removing the hydrocele sac, the surgeon folds and sutures the sac so it is smaller and no longer able to fill with fluid. This method is less invasive and is typically used for non-communicating hydroceles.

Surgical Procedure

Anesthesia: Hydrocele surgery is usually performed under general anesthesia but can also be done under spinal or local anesthesia depending on the patient's condition and the extent of the surgery.
Incision: The surgeon makes an incision in the scrotum or, less commonly, in the lower abdomen.
Drainage and Repair: The fluid is drained from the hydrocele, and the sac may be removed or repaired. If the hydrocele is associated with a hernia, the hernia is repaired during the same operation.
Closure: The incision is then closed with stitches that may dissolve over time.

Recovery

Postoperative Care: After surgery, patients might experience mild to moderate pain that can be managed with pain relievers. Swelling and bruising of the scrotum are common but should decrease gradually.
Activity Restrictions: Patients are generally advised to avoid strenuous activities and sexual activity for several weeks to allow the area to heal properly.
Follow-Up: Follow-up appointments are important to ensure proper healing and to monitor for any complications, such as infection or recurrence of the hydrocele.

Risks and Complications

As with any surgery, there are potential risks and complications with hydrocele surgery:

Infection
Bleeding
Recurrence of the hydrocele
Damage to the scrotal tissue or structures within the scrotum, including the testicles and blood vessels

Outcomes

Hydrocele surgery is typically very successful with a low rate of complications. Most patients experience complete resolution of the swelling and discomfort associated with a hydrocele.

Patients considering hydrocele surgery should discuss all options and potential risks with their surgeon. This ensures a clear understanding of the benefits and possible outcomes of the procedure, leading to the best possible results for the patient’s specific situation.

Patients choosing Dr. Saurabh Mishra for hydrocele surgery benefit from his extensive experience and dedication to achieving the best possible surgical outcomes. His approach not only addresses the immediate physical discomfort associated with hydroceles but also focuses on long-term health and quality of life improvements.