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Hydrocele repair - series

Hydrocele repair

Definition

Hydrocele repair is surgery to correct a birth defect in which there is a passageway between the abdomen and the scrotum. This defect causes fluid to collect around the testicle (a hydrocele).

Alternative Names

Hydrocelectomy

Description

The surgery is done while the patient is under general anesthesia (unconscious and pain-free). The surgeon makes a cut just above the groin and repairs the abnormal opening between the abdominal cavity and scrotum. After the fluid is removed from the scrotum, the wound is closed with stitches. In some cases, the procedure can be done laparoscopically, which involves smaller surgical cuts.

Why the Procedure is Performed

Hydroceles frequently go away on their own. They should be repaired when they cause symptoms or if they occur during an inguinal hernia repair.

Recovery

The surgery is done at an outpatient clinic. Patients usually make a quick recovery. However, the child should be encouraged to rest for the first few days after surgery. Normal activity can usually start again in about 4 - 7 days.

Outlook (Prognosis)

The success rate for hydrocele repair is very high. The long-term prognosis is excellent.

Risks

Risks for any anesthesia include the following:

• Reactions to medications
• Problems breathing

Risks for any surgery include the following:

• Bleeding
• Infection

Review Date: 10/16/2006
Reviewed By: J.A. Lee, M.D., Assistant Professor of Surgery, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.