What Is a Hydrocelectomy?

Hydrocelectomy is a surgical procedure to remove a hydrocele. A hydrocele is a pocket of watery fluid built up around the testicle, sometimes due to disease, injury, improper drainage, or abnormal development. A hydrocele is collected fluid in the membrane surrounding the testes. An adult hydrocelectomy is the surgical procedure used to repair a hydrocele.

How Hydrocelectomy Performed?

Hydrocelectomy is performed to relieve the pain or reoccurrence of a hydrocele. During a hydrocelectomy, your healthcare professional cuts the skin over the hydrocele to drain the fluid. The testicle and the fluid are tested for viruses and cancerous cells. If the tests are clear, the double covering of the testicle is stitched to stop the liquid from building up again. Most hydroceles develop because of blocked lymphatic flow. Hydroceles also develop after infection, injury, or local cancer tumors.

Risks during a Hydrocelectomy

Patients are advised to quit smoking and control their weight if necessary. The wound takes 7 to 10 days to heal, after which the stitches are removed. No special precautions are required for hydrocelectomy. It is typically performed on an outpatient basis. It is important to pass urine within 6 to 12 hours of the surgery.