Hydrocelectomy is the surgical procedure which involves the removal a hydrocele.

When this procedure is performed, it is expected that pain relief will be achieved and the reoccurrence of a hydrocele is prevented.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Risks for this procedure include the presence of complications after undergoing hydrocelectomy.  They are the following:

• Bleeding, pain, and infection
• Hematoma
• Epididymis or vas deferens injury
• Recurrence of the hydrocele

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.

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.

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.

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.