Open Hydrocelectomy Surgery

What is Open Hydrocelectomy?

A hydrocelectomy is a surgical procedure to remove or repair a hydrocele, which is a fluid-filled sac around the testicle that causes swelling in the scrotum—the pouch containing the testes (testicles). If hydroceles are present around both testicles, you may require a bilateral hydrocelectomy, with "bilateral" indicating that both the left and right testicles are affected.

Hydroceles can be concerning due to their visibility and because they appear in a sensitive area. While they are typically painless and may resolve on their own, it's important to consult with a healthcare provider about any scrotal abnormalities. Swift medical consultation is essential to rule out more serious underlying conditions.

Who is a right candidate for open Hydrocelectomy?

Men and individuals assigned male at birth (AMAB) may require a hydrocelectomy if they experience persistent enlargement of the scrotum that does not resolve independently. Healthcare providers may recommend this surgical procedure to anyone with a hydrocele, irrespective of their age, to alleviate discomfort and prevent potential complications.

What happens during a Hydrocelectomy?

1. Your surgeon will administer general anesthesia to ensure you are comfortable and pain-free during the procedure.
2. Once you are asleep, a small incision will be made in your scrotum or nearby in the groin area.
3. If you have a communicating hydrocele, which means there is an opening between your processus vaginalis and your scrotum, your healthcare provider will seal this opening.
4. The hydrocele sac will then be carefully removed.
5. In cases where a child has both a hernia and a hydrocele, or if a hernia is discovered during the surgery, your surgeon will repair the hernia as well.
6. To manage drainage of any blood or fluid, your surgeon may insert small silicone tubes into the affected area, securing them with stitches.
7. The procedure concludes with the surgical incision being stitched closed.

Recovery after Hydrocelectomy

Most people can resume normal activities about two days after a hydrocelectomy. Your surgeon will remove the drain a day or two after surgery (if one was placed).

If you have a large hydrocele, the skin in your scrotum may have stretched, and you may have loose skin after a hydrocelectomy. Your scrotum should shrink back (recoil) to its typical size a few weeks to a month after a hydrocelectomy.

You should avoid strenuous activities and sexual activity for at least two weeks.

For infants, you should keep the area as clean and dry as possible to help prevent infection.

It’s important to remember that your or your child’s body is unique, so recovery times may vary. Follow your surgeon’s instructions on how to manage pain and discomfort.