A hydrocele is the sac of fluid which develops around a male testicle. Hydrocele can occur when the fluid builds up in the layer of tissue which covers the testicle and may be caused as a result of an infection or from an injury to the testicle. In most cases, the cause of hydrocele is not known. A large hydrocele can become very painful and lead to swelling in the scrotum. Hydrocelectomy is an advanced surgical procedure to remove the hydrocele.

In adults, hydroceles can be extremely uncomfortable. The larger amount of fluid in the hydrocele, and feeling of heaviness in the scrotum can be very discomforting and may interrupt regular activities and lifestyle. Some men report that the swelling is uncomfortable more in the morning than in the evening, which can practically spoil their morning routines. Treatment of hydrocele is important to return to a normal lifestyle. In the initial stages of the condition, other non-surgical options may work but once the condition has progressed, surgery is the best option for treatment of hydroceles.

If you experience sudden pain in the scrotal or notice swelling there, especially after an accident or injury to the scrotum, it is important to get immediate medical help.

What are the Signs that you Need Hydrocele Surgery?

A hydrocele is fairly common in males now-a-days. A hydrocele is a painful condition and may keep the man from enjoying his regular lifestyle and perform daily activities freely without pain. Signs of a hydrocele include-

  • Swelling in one side or both sides of the scrotum
  • Feeling heaviness in the scrotum.
  • Due to extreme swelling, may get very painful
  • Discomfort due to swelling of the scrotum

It is important to note here that hydrocele is generally painless. The person may have discomfort due to the swelling but the condition itself is not painful. But if you have pain, it can mean that more serious conditions such as infection or testicular torsion are likely to be present. You should contact an expert urologist right away if you have pain due to hydrocele.

Also, keep in mind that the above mentioned symptoms of hydrocele can also be symptoms that can occur due to restricted blood flow in a twisted testicle (known as testicular torsion), which demands immediate treatment. It is advised to never ignore such symptoms and get immediate medical help.

A hydrocele is usually not dangerous and does not affect the male’s fertility. In some cases, hydrocele might be linked to an underlying testicular condition, like an infection, tumor, or inguinal hernia.

A man with symptoms of hydrocele should consult a urologist for a diagnosis  of the condition to rule out any other conditions.

How will the Urologist Diagnose Hydrocele?

A urologist will ask the patient some basic questions about the symptoms he’s been having and also since when he has been having those symptoms.  The doctor may also ask the patient’s health history.

The urologist may do a physical exam to check for the swelling,  tenderness in the scrotum and other symptoms. The urologist may also test to see how the bulge in the groin area will change under pressure when the patient coughs. A thorough diagnosis will help the urologist to better diagnose the condition.

The patient might be advised to undergo imaging tests such as an ultrasound and blood or urine tests to diagnose any underlying infection. The urologist can suggest the best treatment option for your condition after a proper diagnosis.

Most Advanced Treatment Option for Hydrocele- Laser Hydrocele Surgery or Hydrocelectomy

With the advancement in technology and medicine, hydrocele surgery can now be performed with less-invasive surgical procedures.  Laser hydrocelectomy is a modern surgical procedure for traditional hydrocelectomy and is performed under the influence of local or general anesthesia.

During the laser hydrocelectomy, a high-intensity laser beam is used to make an incision in the scrotal area. The urologist will then remove the fluid and may also remove the hydrocele sac to prevent recurrence of the condition.

What are the Benefits of Undergoing Laser Hydrocelectomy?

Minimally invasive laser hydrocelectomy is a much simpler and less invasive procedure, as compared to the traditional approach to the surgery. The procedure of laser hydrocelectomy can be completed under 30 minutes and is performed as a daycare procedure. This means that the patient can go home the same day after undergoing the procedure. As laser hydrocelectomy is a minimally invasive procedure, the procedure involves minimal blood loss, and has a very less risk of infections. As the procedure is less-invasive, the patient’s recovery will be much easier, quick and pain-free. There are no major complications or risk of infections after the laser hydrocelectomy surgery.

Do’s and Don’ts after Laser Hydrocelectomy as suggested By Top Urologists

Top urologists suggest the patient to follow a few precautions to ensure speedy and safe recovery after laser hydrocele surgery. If neglected, or if proper care is not taken, the patient may face complications and even delayed recovery after surgery. Some of the common do’s and don’ts to follow after surgery are-

  • Do-  Wear a scrotal support for at least 3-5 days after your minimally invasive laser hydrocelectomy.
  • Don’t- Avoid lifting any heavy weight and also other activities which could put strain on the groin area for 7 to 10 days.
  • Do- Maintain proper hygiene and keep the surgical area clean and dry.
  • Don’t- Do not have sex for about 3 to 4 weeks after laser hydrocelectomy surgery.
  • Do- Eat healthy and a well balanced diet for speedy recovery.
  • Don’t- Avoid eating unhealthy processed and preserved foods, pickles and caffeine for a few days after your hydrocele surgery.

These simple do’s and don’ts will help ensure a healthy recovery after the minimally invasive laser hydrocelectomy surgery.

Tips for Recovery at Home After Minimally Invasive Laser Hydrocelectomy Surgery

Follow the instructions given to you by your urologist to care for yourself after your hydrocele surgery. Here are some important tips to follow during your recovery-

  • Use an ice pack for the scrotum area (as directed) to help reduce any swelling. But do this for more than 15 minutes at a time and never put ice or an ice pack directly on the skin. Continue using the ice pack for 2 days or until the swelling resolves.
  • Take prescribed medicines as directed by the urologist.
  • Take care for the incision as instructed by the doctor or nurse.
  • Follow your urologist’s guidelines for showering after the surgery. Do not use a hot tub, swim, bathe or do any other thing in which the incision is soaked or covered in water until your urologist says it’s OK.
  • Do not lift anything heavy.
  • Exercise a little without putting strain on your incision area.
  • Do not have sex for 4 to 5 weeks after surgery.