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Hydrocelectomy
What is
Hydrocelectomy?
Hydrocelectomy is the surgical procedure which
involves the removal a hydrocele.
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Effects
of Hydrocelectomy
When
this procedure is performed, it is expected that
pain relief will be achieved and the
reoccurrence of a hydrocele is prevented.
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Candidates for Hydrocelectomy
Candidates for this procedure are men who have
hydroceles causing the scrotum to enlarge and
ache or are cosmetically unacceptable. This
procedure is recommended for removal of fluid.
Surgery is indicated only if the hydrocele is
beginning to cause discomfort to the patient.
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Your Consultation
There are
minimal guidelines that should be followed prior
to the surgery such as not eating or drinking
anything before the procedure. Other guidelines
will depend on the surgeon or the facility where
the procedure will take place. Prior to the
surgery, the physician will provide the patient
with the necessary preoperative instructions. A
doctor or a nurse will give the details of the
procedure.
There are cases where there is a need for a
temporary drain to be inserted. Insertion of a
drain makes the chance of getting an infection
less. It also prevents fluid from building up.
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The
Hydrocelectomy Procedure
This
procedure is done on an outpatient basis either
under general or spinal anesthesia. This usually
takes approximately between 30 to 90 minutes.
First, the doctor locates the hydrocele then
removes it. Drainage of the hydrocele fluid is
done then the sac edges of the hydrocele are
partly stitched or removed. To prevent it from
reoccurring, this will be cauterized.
Hydrocele may also be treated through needle
aspiration of the fluid with or without an
injection of medication that hardens tissue. On
the other hand, surgery is still the preferred
treatment over aspiration.
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Recovery
A
catheter which is a small flexible tube is
placed by the surgeon in order to drain the
surgical area. This is done after surgery.
Arrangements for the patient to get a ride home
should be made. Application of ice to the
scrotal region is encouraged. This should be
done for the first 24 hours after the procedure.
A scrotal support should be worn for
approximately 7 to 10 days. Resumption of normal
activities can be done within two weeks.
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Risks
Risks
for this procedure include the presence of
complications after undergoing hydrocelectomy.
They are the following:
-
Bleeding, pain, and infection
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Hematoma
-
Epididymis or vas deferens injury
-
Recurrence of the hydrocele
Frequently Asked Questions
Q:
What is a hydrocele?
A:
A hydrocele is a soft swelling and a collection
of fluid in the membrane surrounding the
testes. This is usually not painful. The
scrotum increases in size as the hydrocele grows
although the hydrocele does not do any damage to
the testes. The major symptom is scrotal
swelling. There are two types of hydroceles
which depend on how they form. The other type
is found in children that can be seen generally
right after birth. This occurs due to the
failure of the processus vaginalis to close.
Q:
Why do hydroceles appear?
A:
Hydroceles occur due to a block in the lymphatic
flow. They usually develop following an
infection, injury, or, local cancer tumors.
Hydroceles tend to develop slowly in adults.
Q:
Why should I need to undergo this procedure?
A:
This procedure is necessary in order to relieve
discomfort and remove unsightly scrotal
swelling. There are instances when a hydrocele
is associated to a tumor in the testis. It is
highly recommended that one seek medical
attention right away.
Q:
What treatments should be done in the presence
of hydroceles?
A:
In general, aspiration of the collected fluid is
done to treat hydroceles. This is done by
inserting a needle into the scrotum and is then
directed toward the hydrocele. Once this is
accomplished, fluid is removed. On the other
hand, surgery is the main treatment for
hydroceles that are larger and are painful. It
is also the suggested procedure for removal of
hydroceles that reoccur after undergoing
aspiration. Hydroceles may be detected from
other testicular problems through
transillumination and scrotal ultrasound
examinations.
The following list of Urology procedures are
performed at Beverly Hills Medical Group -
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