Hydrocoelectomy

ABOUT HYDROCOELECTOMY

What is a hydrocoelectomy?

A hydocoelectomy is an operation to remove (repair) a hydrocoele.

What is a hydrocoele?

A hydrocoele is a collection of fluid in the space around the testicle. The fluid is produced by the membrane which lines the sac, called the tunica vaginalis.

Hydrocoeles are common. Most of the time there is no clear cause for why a hydrocoele has formed.

Sometimes a hydrocoele can form due to:

• Scrotal infections (eg. epididymitis)

• Scrotal trauma

• Scrotal surgery

• Testicular cancer

Why is a hydrocoelectomy required?

Hydrocoeles aren’t dangerous and often don’t require any treatment.

A hydrocoelectomy is usually recommended if the hydrocoele is painful or is interfering in activities of daily living.

Testicular Cancer

Testicular cancer is a disease caused by the abnormal growth of cells in one or both testicles. These abnormal cells grow uncontrollably, forming a tumour, that can spread to other parts of the body.

PATIENT JOURNEY

What does hydrocoelectomy involve?

Hydrocoelectomy is usually performed under general anaesthetic (completely asleep), but spinal anaesthetic (numb from the waist down) can be used instead.

An incision is made in your scrotum.

The fluid in the hydrocoele is drained.

The sac surrounding the hydrocoele is partially removed.

What does hydrocoelectomy involve?

The incision is closed using dissolvable stitches.

Sometimes a small plastic drain is left in your scrotum and removed a day or two after the operation.

The operation is usually performed as day surgery – you can go home on the same day as long as you are accompanied by a responsible adult.

Sometimes a one-night hospital stay is required.

What is the recovery after hydrocoelectomy?

You will need to rest for the first day or two after the operation.

You will need to wear tight fitting scrotal support (such as speedos, a jock strap, or two pairs of tight underwear) for at least one week after the operation.

You can usually return to sedentary work 4 to 7 days after the operation.

You can usually start driving 2 to 5 days after the operation, provided you can safely perform an emergency stop (slam your foot on the brake).

You can resume sexual activity when you feel comfortable doing so. For most men this will be approximately 2 weeks after the operation.

Hydrocoelectomy will not affect your erections, testosterone level, or sperm production.