How can Hydrocele Repair be an Effective Treatment?

Hydrocele is a condition in which a sac of fluid starts to form around the testicle. The fluid gets filled in the scrotum and makes it swell.

Though hydrocele is not a major health problem and can be easily fixed through hydrocele repair surgery. As the condition arises more commonly in male infants than adults, it rarely needs treatment and resolves on its own. However, if the condition persists, hydrocele repair is the most effective treatment you can opt for.

Let’s see what is involved in hydrocele repair surgery, also known as hydrocelectomy, and what you need to do to make sure that the treatment is effective. 

What Happens During Hydrocele Repair?

When you consult a doctor for hydrocele treatment, he/she will follow the standard pre-operative guidelines which include taking your blood and urine test. Then the surgeon or nurse will verbally explain the entire procedure to you. The doctor will also discuss the possible side effects or complications after the procedure and determine how they can be prevented. 

On the day of surgery, you’ll be given general anesthesia. It means that you will be unconscious during the procedure. The step-by-step procedure involves:
 

• A tube will be inserted into your throat for breath regulation. An intravenous line is also placed to provide the necessary fluids and medications. 

• A small incision is made around the scrotum and a suction device is used to drain the fluid from hydrocele. Or the modern technique is used for hydrocele repair that involves using a laparoscope. The device is inserted through an incision about the size of a keyhole and hydrocele is repaired through a minimally invasive procedure.
   

There is another alternative to treat hydrocele. It involves inserting a needle into the scrotum and withdrawing the fluid. Once the fluid is removed, the sclerotherapy technique is used to prevent the fluid from building up again. However, it is not an effective treatment method. If you want long-lasting repair with negligible chances of hydrocele recurrence, then surgery is the most appropriate option. 

Recovery After Hydrocelectomy

Generally, hydrocele repair surgery only takes half an hour to complete and it is done on an outpatient basis. Hence, you can go home the very same day. This means that the effectiveness of the procedure depends on your ability to follow the doctor’s instructions. 

Once you get home, you may experience swelling and soreness for a few days and your scrotum will be bandaged. During the recovery phase, you will have to pay attention to various aspects of your daily life to heal properly, reduce the chances of possible complications, and make sure that the results of hydrocele repair last longer. 

How to get Effective Results from Hydrocele Repair?
 

The best way to make sure that hydrocele repair is effective, you need to follow all the precautions suggested by the doctor. Here we are listing the precautions and after-care tips that will ensure that you recover quickly and the results of hydrocelectomy last longer. 

1. Do not overexert yourself during the recovery phase. Refraining from exhausting activities will make sure that your body heals faster. Overexertion will only add up to your discomfort and uneasiness. 

2. Stay lowkey active by walking small distances as it will improve the blood flow in the scrotal region. 

3. Avoid lower abdomen exercises completely as they will strain and pressurize the lower body. It can cause irritation in the scrotal region and increase post-surgery pain. 

4. Your post-surgery diet should also be healthy and balanced. Eat light and healthy foods that are rich in fiber for easy digestion. This will ensure that you don’t have to put pressure on the lower abdominal region while passing bowels. 

5. Drink plenty of water and other fluids to stay hydrated. Dehydration can impair the healing process and increase the recovery time. So, make sure that you drink healthy juices and water after regular intervals. 

6. Maintain proper hygiene in the scrotal region to keep it clean and dry. After hydrocele repair, the scrotum will be bandaged. Hence, you will have to keep the area and dry to avoid infections and replace them whenever needed. For washing, you can use mild soap and warm water. Refrain from using alcohol or hydrogen-peroxide-based products as they can slow down the healing of the incision. 

7. Remember not to shower for at least 24 to 48 hours. After the given time has passed, you can take a bath but make sure that the scrotal region is not soaked. You will also have to avoid swimming until the doctor gives you permission to do so. 

8. Stay away from tight clothes as they can cause irritation in the groin area as well as around the waist. Wear loose clothes that are comfortable until you heal properly. 

9. Wear scrotal support provided or prescribed by the doctor. Usually, jockstraps are used for scrotal support after hydrocele repair as it minimizes the pressure and allows the patient to perform daily activities without pain or discomfort. 

10. Do not indulge in sexual activities for at least 3 to 4 weeks after hydrocelectomy. 

Only when you follow all the instructions of aftercare, you will be able to get effective results. 

Final Words

Usually, hydrocelectomy is a successful procedure with no major complications. But, the effectiveness of most surgical procedures, including hydrocele repair, usually depends on the skills of the surgeon and the after-care. 

So, if you are seeking treatment for hydrocele, make sure that you rely on an experienced urologist and follow his/her advice to get effective results. Talk to the healthcare provider about the symptoms you have and get properly diagnosed to eliminate the risk of other conditions related to the scrotum.