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A hydrocele is a condition caused due to decreased absorption or excessive production of fluid in the thin sheath that surrounds the testicles. It can be caused due to injury, inflammation in the scrotum or down the channel or activities such as heavy workouts, long hours of sitting or bike riding, etc. It can also occur due to infections like filariasis which is endemic in nature.
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Symptoms of hydrocele
The only symptom of a hydrocele is a swelling or bulge of one or both the testicles. For some men with hydrocele, the swelling is worse in the morning and reduces as the day passes. He may also feel heaviness around the scrotum.
Consult a urologist immediately if you have sudden or severe scrotal pain or observe swelling, especially after an injury to the scrotum.
How is this condition treated?
There are no medications to treat hydrocele, although pain-killers can prevent any discomfort.
Surgery may be needed to repair and drain the hydrocele. This procedure is the permanent treatment for this problem. If left untreated, hydroceles can become very large and become a threat to the normal functioning of other structures present in the scrotum. (Also Read: Swelling Of Scrotum Causes, Symptoms And Diagnosis )
Surgery For Hydrocele
Hydrocele Surgery is a minimally invasive procedure with no blood loss. It is done by making a cut on the scrotum to drain the accumulated fluid. This procedure is completed in less than 30 minutes and is performed under the influence of anesthesia. The doctor then reverses or removes the sac to seal and prevent the recurrence of the condition. The patient is given local, general or spinal anesthesia before the procedure.
Traditional surgery for hydrocele can pose threats and complications like heavy bleeding, blood clots or scrotal injury.
The patient can go home in 6 to 12 hours after the procedure ( depending on the type of anesthesia used) and has a quicker and better recovery with no risks of infection and blood clots.
Post-surgery care
After surgery for hydrocele, the patient would have no pain after the procedure. The pain will probably go away in a week. There can be mild, swelling in some cases after the surgery but, it goes away in 1-2 days.
The doctor may prescribe antibiotics and pain medicines to the patient, if needed. For better recovery, the patient is suggested to wear scrotal support for 3-5 days post the surgery. Heavy weight lifting or strenuous activities need to be avoided for 7 to 10 days after the surgery. It is also advised to not have intercourse for 3-4 weeks after the procedure.
If the patient has stitches at the incision site, they will dissolve on its own within 12-15 days after the surgery. Maintain personal hygiene during the recovery period.
The patient can carry out his normal lifestyle post the procedure.
Also Read: Hydrocele Treatment in Ayurveda | Benefits & Side Effects
