Symptoms
A few days of precautions can save you from long term discomforts. Also, another way to save yourself from the discomforts of a conventional hydrocele surgery is to go for the laser hydrocelectomy.
Causes
This situation usually resolves within a few months. However, it needs to be watched closely by a pediatrician, a pediatric urologist, or a similar doctor. In adult men, hydroceles can result from inflammation in the reproductive system, from injury, from an infection, or from a blockage in the spermatic cord or scrotum.
Complications
In adult men, surgery may be done when the swelling from the hydrocele is painful, embarrassing, or when it grows to a size that threatens the function of the rest of the genital tissues. Surgery is usually performed under general anesthesia (the patient is given drugs to put him to sleep). After the patient is asleep surgery includes these steps:
How long should I take precautions after a hydrocele surgery?
In a recent study of 29 men in their early 50s, aspiration and sclerotherapy corrected the hydrocele in 84 percent of cases. But the hydrocele may come back within months, requiring another round of aspiration and sclerotherapy. Surgery is the most long-lasting repair, with a much lower hydrocele recurrence rate.
How long does it take for a hydrocele to resolve?
When is surgery done for a hydrocele?
Can hydrocele come back after sclerotherapy?
When should hydrocele be corrected?
Most hydroceles in infants will go away by the time they are 2 years old. Your surgeon may recommend hydrocele repair if the hydrocele: Becomes too large. Causes problems with blood flow.
Is a hydrocele an emergency?
Contact your provider if you have symptoms of hydrocele. It is important to rule out other causes of a testicular lump. Pain in the scrotum or testicles is an emergency. If you have pain and your scrotum is enlarged, seek medical help right away to prevent the loss of the testicle.
What happens if you don't take care of a hydrocele?
If a communicating hydrocele does not go away on its own and is not treated, it can lead to an inguinal hernia. In this condition, part of the intestine or intestinal fat pushes through an opening (inguinal canal) in the groin area.
Should I have my hydrocele removed?
But for males of any age, it's important for a doctor to evaluate a hydrocele because it can be associated with an underlying testicular condition. A hydrocele that doesn't disappear on its own might need to be surgically removed, typically as an outpatient procedure.
Why is my hydrocele getting bigger?
Size changes are caused by fluid flowing through a tube from the abdomen into the scrotum. This occurs when the tube does not close as it should. The hydrocele may grow larger when you are active. It may shrink when you are at rest.
How long can a hydrocele last?
Management and Treatment A hydrocele typically goes away on its own within six to 12 months of age. If the hydrocele does not resolve on its own, then it needs to be surgically repaired to prevent further complications.
Can I drain my own hydrocele?
Drainage. The fluid can be drained easily with a needle and syringe. However, following this procedure, it is common for the sac of the hydrocele to refill with fluid within a few months. Draining every now and then may be suitable though, if you are not fit for surgery or if you do not want an operation.
Can I run with hydrocele?
Avoid strenuous activities, such as bicycle riding, jogging, weight lifting, or aerobic exercise, until your doctor says it is okay. For 2 to 4 weeks, avoid lifting anything that would make you strain.
What is a hydrocele?
A hydrocele is fluid-filled sac within the scrotum of a male — essentially a backup of fluid around one or both testicles. The condition is relatively common, with an estimated 5% of baby boys born with one. They can also develop in older children or adult men due to an infection or injury to the scrotum. [2]
Why do boys have hydroceles?
The cause of hydroceles is unknown in baby boys, although it's thought to be a backup of fluid from poor circulation due to the baby's position in the womb. In older boys and men, however, the cause is usually related to trauma to the scrotum or an infection.
How to get rid of scrotum swelling?
1. Try an Epsom salt bath. If you notice a painless swelling in your testicle (s)/scrotum, take a very warm bath with at least a few cups of Epsom salt added. Relax in the tub for between 15 – 20 minutes with your legs slightly spread , so that the water engulfs your scrotum.
Does Epsom salt help with hydrocele?
Epsom salt is also a rich source of magnesium, which helps to relax muscles/tendons and soothe any tenderness. If there is pain associated with your hydrocele, then exposing your scrotum to warm water (or any source of heat) may create more inflammation and make your symptoms worse.
How long does it take for a hydrocele to go away?
You can try taking over-the-counter anti-inflammatory pain relievers and wait to see if the swelling subsides. Often it will go away on its own within six months. If the hydrocele gets large enough, it may need repair.
What is the procedure for hydrocele?
Before the surgery, you’ll have an intravenous line put in your arm to provide fluids and any medication required. In a standard hydrocelectomy, the surgeon makes a small incision in the scrotum and uses suction to drain the hydrocele.
How to help a bandaged scrotum?
Using a jockstrap to support your scrotum reduces discomfort. For the first few days, apply cold packs for 10 to 15 minutes at a time to reduce swelling and pain. Learn how to make your own cold compress at home. You can shower if the bandaged area is covered to prevent it from being soaked.
What is hydrocelectomy?
Overview. A hydrocelectomy is a surgical procedure to repair a hydrocele, which is a buildup of fluid around a testicle. Often a hydrocele will resolve itself without treatment. However, as a hydrocele grows larger, it can cause swelling, pain, and discomfort in the scrotum and may need surgical repair. A hydrocelectomy removes the fluid and ...
How to know if you have a syringe infection?
Complications are extremely rare. Contact your doctor immediately if you notice signs of infection, such as: 1 redness or a feeling of warmth at the surgical site 2 increasing pain 3 bad-smelling fluid seeping from the surgical wound 4 increasing swelling 5 fever
Why do you need a tube after scrotum surgery?
This helps to prevent infection and buildup of fluid in the scrotum after surgery.
Is hydrocelectomy an outpatient procedure?
Hydrocelectomy is typically an outpatient procedure. It usually requires general anesthesia, which means you’ll be completely unconscious for the surgery. You’ll have a tube inserted in your throat to regulate your breathing. Before the surgery, you’ll have an intravenous line put in your arm to provide fluids and any medication required.
How to treat hydrocele?
Epsom salt can be very effective in improving the symptoms of hydrocele. All you need to do is to add a few cups of epsom salt in the bathtub and relax there for 20-30 minutes with your legs spread so that water can engulf your scrotum. Take bath 2-3 times a day, but make sure that the water is warm
What medicine should I take for hydrocele?
If your hydrocele has become severe and causing sharp burning pain, you should use barberis vulgaris, nux vomica, or clematis. But make sure to discuss with your doctor the doses of the medicine.
What to take for hydrocele?
If hydrocele has developed due to the injury or trauma to the scrotum, you should take corneum and arnica. This helps in improving the symptoms and reducing the chances of complications.
Does punarnava help with hydrocele?
Apart from diminishing the symptoms of hydrocele such as itching, pain, swelling, and inflammation, punarnava also reduces the chances of complications of hydrocele. Usually, the doctor prescribes punarnava along with other medicines.
Can you wear a jockstrap for hydrocele?
The symptoms of hydrocele aggravate with time, but you can wear a jockstrap or proper scrotal support. Jockstrap and scrotal support help in minimizing the pressure in your scrotal region, making it possible for you to continue your daily life without facing much discomfort.
What is hydrocele surgery?
Hydrocelectomy is surgery that is done to remove or repair a hydrocele, which is a fluid-filled sac surrounding a testicle. Appointments & Access. Contact Us. Overview. Procedure Details. Risks / Benefits. Recovery and Outlook. Hydrocelectomy. Overview.
How to diagnose hydroceles?
Hydroceles are diagnosed by having a doctor examine the scrotum. The first thing the doctor will do is make sure the patient does not have testicular torsion. Testicular torsion is when one testicle rotates in a way that it loses its blood supply.
What causes hydroceles in men?
In adult men, hydroceles can result from inflammation in the reproductive system, from injury, from an infection, or from a blockage in the spermatic cord or scrotum. About 1% of adult men will get a hydrocele.
Why are hydroceles so scary?
Hydroceles can be scary because you can see them and because they are in a sensitive part of the body. They are usually painless and often improve without treatment. However, you should discuss any abnormality in the scrotum with a doctor right away as it could be a more serious problem.
What is the use of light in a hydrocele?
This use of light suggests the problem is a hydrocele but is not the only test a doctor will perform. Ultrasound also is used to confirm a diagnosis and to rule out other possible problems. Other tests such as blood and urine tests also can be used to learn if the patient has inflammation or an infection.
How long does it take for a scrotum to fill?
When this tract fails to close after the testicles descend, the scrotum can fill with fluid from the abdomen. This situation usually resolves within a few months. However, it needs to be watched closely by a pediatrician, a pediatric urologist, or a similar doctor.
What to do if you have a fever and a lot of swelling?
If there is fever, pain, or heat or a lot of swelling in the treated area, you should call the doctor right away. A small amount of blood may seep out onto the bandages but a heavy amount of blood should be reported to the doctor right away also.
Medicines
Learn how to take your medicine. Ask what medicine and how much you should take. Be sure you know how, when, and how often to take it.
Follow up with your healthcare provider or urologist as directed
Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.
Support
You may need to wear a fabric support device similar to a jock strap to decrease swelling.
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
How long does it take to recover from a hydrocele?
A piece of interesting information: It will hold your interest more to know that if you undergo laser hydrocelectomy, the whole recovery takes just 3-5 days. Yes! A very short recovery period.
How to recover from hydrocele surgery?
Go for small walks every day. Staying active is the key to a faster recovery after hydrocele surgery. Try to walk small distances every day. Walk a little more than what you did the day before and gradually increase the distance you walk. Doing this would ensure proper blood flow and also maintain a proper bowel movement.
What is a hydrocele?
A hydrocele is a medical condition in which some fluid tends to collect the scrotal sac. Hydroceles cause swelling and discomfort that can make everyday routines difficult. Hydrocele surgery called hydrocelectomy becomes necessary when the condition is severe or keeps recurring even after home remedies and medications.
How long should you wear scrotal support after hydrocele?
Wear proper scrotal support. You can wear jockstraps and scrotal supports for about 1-2 weeks post hydrocele surgery. Scrotal supports to minimize the pressure to the scrotal region and thus help you carry on with your routine activities without much discomfort.
How long after scrotal surgery can you shower?
Showering is not advised for the first 24-48 hours after surgery. After 48 hours, you can take a shower but do not soak your scrotal region underwater. Also, do not take baths and avoid swimming until the doctor tells that it is okay to do so.
How long after hydrocelectomy can you exercise?
Therefore, avoid activities like bicycling, jogging, swimming, and aerobics for about 2-3 weeks after the surgery.
How long after hydrocele surgery can you lift?
For about 2-4 weeks after hydrocele surgery, do not lift anything that weighs more than 10 pounds. Doing so can result in scarring and further add to your misery. Avoid lifting heavy grocery bags, briefcases, or any other heavy thing.