What is a Hydrocele?

A hydrocele is a type of swelling in the scrotum that happens when liquid gathers in the thin sheath around a testicle. Hydrocele is common in infants and adults. In infants, it typically disappears without treatment by age 1. However, for males of any age, it’s essential for a medical professional to evaluate a hydrocele because it can be related to an underlying testicular condition. If it doesn’t heal by itself, then treatment is required. Older children and adult males can also suffer from a hydrocele due to injury within the scrotum.

Symptoms of Hydrocele

• In most cases there are no symptoms but just a pain-free swelling of one or both testicles.

• Adult and Senior males with a hydrocele could experience pain from the heaviness of a swollen scrotum.

• Pain may or may not be present in the testicle or nearby area as per the extent of inflammation. 

• Sometimes, the swollen area may be smaller in size in the morning and the swelling increases as the day ends.

Types of Hydrocele

• Non-communicating hydrocele: A hydrocele is non-communicating when there is no connection or communication between the hydrocele and the abdominal wall. 

• Communicating hydrocele: It is more serious than non-communicating hydrocele as the abdominal wall and hydrocele has a connection between them. This can lead to flow of abdominal fluid into the scrotum. This type of hydrocele is corrected by surgery only. 

Hydrocele Treatment in Delhi at South Delhi Urology Clinic

• In infants or children, a hydrocele sometimes goes away by itself. But also for males of any type of age, it’s essential for a medical professional to evaluate a hydrocele because it can be related to an underlying testicular condition. This testicular condition needs to be ruled out as soon as possible for the best treatment.

• A hydrocele that doesn’t vanish by itself needs a surgical procedure. The surgical procedure to treat a hydrocele is known as hydrocelectomy. It can be done under general or local anesthetic. An incision is made in the scrotum or near the lower abdominal areas to remove hydrocele. After hydrocelectomy, you might need a tube to drain liquid as well as a dressing will be applied for a couple of days. A follow-up is recommended to check the proper healing. This surgical procedure will take about 30 minutes. After the completion of surgery, the patient is moved to the recovery room. You will be sent to your room from there after a while. 

Complications with the surgical treatment of Hydrocele

These complications are quite rare with an experienced urologist like Dr Atul Jain.

• Fever

• Redness at the surgical site

• Swelling and delayed healing etc.

After Care Post Hydrocele Surgery 

• The patient will get discharged on the exact same day after the surgical procedure. 

• You will be given pain killers to manage the pain and swelling for a few days till healing occurs. 

• The patient can return to activity within 2 days post hydrocele surgery.

• Keep the operated area dry and clean to ensure faster healing and to curb any infections. 

• Any demanding physical activities or any kind of sexual activities are restricted until 2 weeks of surgical treatment or as per Dr Atul Jain’s suggestion. 

• Keep the surgical site protected for a few days to prevent any trauma to it. 

For the best hydrocele treatment in Delhi, Book an Appointment with Dr Atul Jain today.