Hydrocelectomy

Hydrocelectomy is surgery to remove a hydrocele. A hydrocele is a sac filled with fluid in the scrotum.

A male can get a hydrocele on one or both sides of the scrotum. It happens when there's an opening between the belly and the scrotum. This opening lets fluid move from the belly to the scrotum.

Your child will be asleep during the surgery. The doctor makes a very small cut in your child's groin. This cut is called an incision. Then the doctor drains the fluid and removes the hydrocele sac. The doctor closes the incision with stitches. The stitches don't need to be removed. They will dissolve several weeks after surgery. The incision will leave a very small scar that will fade with time.

After surgery, there will no longer be an opening between your child's belly and his scrotum. This will stop fluid from building up in the scrotum.

Your child may be able to leave the hospital on the same day as the surgery. He will probably be able to go back to school or day care in 4 to 7 days. But try to keep him from being too active and from lifting things for 2 weeks.

Surgery can be stressful for both your child and you. This information will help you understand what you can expect. And it will help you safely prepare for your child's surgery.

Preparing for surgery

• If your child is old enough, talk to your child about the surgery. Tell your child that the surgery will remove extra fluid from your child's scrotum. Hospitals know how to take care of children. The staff will do all they can to make it easier for your child.
• Ask if a special tour of the surgery area and hospital is available. This may make your child feel less nervous about what happens.
• Plan for your child's recovery time. Your child may need more of your time right after the surgery, both for care and for comfort.
• Understand exactly what surgery is planned, along with the risks, benefits, and other options.
• Tell the doctor ALL the medicines, vitamins, supplements, and herbal remedies your child takes. Some may increase the risk of problems during the surgery. Your doctor will tell you if your child should stop taking any of them before the surgery and how soon to do it.

The day before surgery

• A nurse may call you (or you may need to call the hospital). This is to confirm the time and date of your child's surgery and answer any questions.
• Remember to follow your doctor's instructions about your child taking or stopping medicines before surgery. This includes over-the-counter medicines.

Activity

• Rest when you feel tired. Getting enough sleep will help you recover.
• Try to walk each day. Start by walking a little more than you did the day before. Bit by bit, increase the amount you walk. Walking boosts blood flow and helps prevent pneumonia and constipation.
• You may shower 24 hours after surgery, if your doctor says it is okay. Pat the cut (incision) dry. Do not take a bath for the first week, or until your doctor tells you it is okay.
• You may return to work or school when you are ready. This is usually in about 4 to 7 days.
• Avoid strenuous activities, such as bicycle riding, jogging, weight lifting, or aerobic exercise, until your doctor says it is okay.
• For 2 to 4 weeks, avoid lifting anything that would make you strain. This may include heavy grocery bags and milk containers, a heavy briefcase or backpack, cat litter or dog food bags, a vacuum cleaner, or a child.

Diet

• You can eat your normal diet. If your stomach is upset, try bland, low-fat foods like plain rice, broiled chicken, toast, and yogurt.
• Drink plenty of fluids to avoid becoming dehydrated.
• You may notice that your bowel movements are not regular right after your surgery. This is common. Try to avoid constipation and straining with bowel movements. You may want to take a fiber supplement every day. If you have not had a bowel movement after a couple of days, ask your doctor about taking a mild laxative.

Medicines

• Your doctor will tell you if and when you can restart your medicines. He or she will also give you instructions about taking any new medicines.
• If you stopped taking aspirin or some other blood thinner, your doctor will tell you when to start taking it again.
• Take pain medicines exactly as directed.
  • If the doctor gave you a prescription medicine for pain, take it as prescribed.
  • If you are not taking a prescription pain medicine, ask your doctor if you can take an over-the-counter medicine.
• If you think pain medicine is making you sick to your stomach:
  • Take your medicine after meals (unless the doctor has told you not to).
  • Ask your doctor for a different pain medicine.
• If your doctor prescribed antibiotics, take them as directed. Do not stop taking them just because you feel better. You need to take the full course of antibiotics.

Incision care

• If you have strips of tape on the cut (incision) the doctor made, leave the tape on for a week or until it falls off.
• Wash the area daily with warm, soapy water, and pat it dry. Don't use hydrogen peroxide or alcohol, which can slow healing. You may cover the area with a gauze bandage if it weeps or rubs against clothing. Change the bandage every day.
• Keep the area clean and dry.