Hydrocele Repair Surgery
Hydrocele repair surgery is a procedure used to treat a hydrocele, a build-up of fluid around a testicle that causes swelling in the scrotum. While hydroceles are usually harmless, they can become uncomfortable, large, or affect daily activities.
What is hydrocele repair surgery?
A hydrocele is a collection of fluid inside the thin sac that surrounds a testicle. This causes swelling in the scrotum, which may affect 1 or both sides. Hydroceles are common in newborn babies, but they can also develop in adults.
For more information on hydrocele repair for children, please visit our paediatric page.
In adults, hydroceles may develop gradually and can become large over time. Some people experience heaviness, discomfort, pain, or embarrassment because of the swelling. In some cases, a hydrocele can also make physical activity or sexual activity uncomfortable.
Hydrocele repair surgery, also known as hydrocelectomy, removes or repairs the fluid-filled sac to prevent the hydrocele from returning. Welbeck’s experienced urology specialists provide expert assessment, treatment and follow-up care for adult patients with hydroceles, helping to relieve symptoms and improve comfort and confidence.
More information
Before your surgery, you’ll attend a consultation with one of our urology specialists. They’ll perform a physical examination, review your medical history, and may arrange tests such as an ultrasound scan to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other conditions.
Hydrocele repair surgery is usually performed under a general anaesthetic, meaning you’ll be asleep during the procedure. In some cases, a spinal anaesthetic may be used. Your consultant will discuss the most suitable option for you before surgery.
The procedure usually takes between 30 and 60 minutes. During the surgery:
Your surgeon makes a small incision in the scrotum or lower abdomen
The fluid around the testicle is drained
The hydrocele sac is removed, repaired, or turned inside out to reduce the chance of fluid building up again.
The wound is closed with dissolvable stitches.
Most patients can return home on the same day, although occasionally an overnight stay may be recommended depending on your general health and recovery from the anaesthetic.
Hydrocele repair surgery is considered to be a safe and effective procedure. However, as with any surgery, there are some possible risks and complications.
These include:
bleeding or bruising around the scrotum
swelling and discomfort after surgery
infection at the wound site
fluid returning in the future
temporary numbness or sensitivity changes
blood clot formation in the scrotum (haematoma)
injury to nearby structures, including the testicle or spermatic cord, although this is rare
scarring
Most side effects are temporary and improve as the area heals. Your consultant will explain all risks in detail before your procedure and provide advice on how to reduce the risk of complications during recovery.
Your consultant will give you personalised instructions before your surgery to help make sure the procedure goes smoothly.
As hydrocele repair surgery is usually carried out under a general anaesthetic, you’ll need to fast beforehand. This means not eating or drinking for a set number of hours before your operation. Your consultant will explain exactly when to stop eating and drinking.
You should also:
tell your consultant about any medications you take, including blood thinners
arrange for someone to take you home after the procedure
wear loose, comfortable clothing on the day of surgery
avoid shaving the surgical area unless your consultant specifically advises you to do so
If you smoke, your consultant may also advise you to stop smoking before surgery, as this can improve healing and reduce the risk of complications.
Most patients recover well after hydrocele repair surgery and are able to return home on the same day.
It’s normal to experience some swelling, bruising and mild discomfort around the scrotum for the first few days after surgery. This should gradually improve over the following weeks. Over-the-counter painkillers, such as paracetamol and ibuprofen, are often enough to manage discomfort, although your consultant may prescribe stronger pain relief if needed.
To support healing and reduce swelling, your consultant may recommend:
resting for the first 24 to 48 hours
wearing supportive underwear or a scrotal support garment
applying ice packs wrapped in a towel for short periods
keeping the wound clean and dry
avoiding heavy lifting and strenuous exercise for around 2 to 4 weeks
avoiding sexual activity until advised by your consultant
You should not drive yourself home after surgery because of the anaesthetic.
Many patients return to desk-based work within 1 week, although more physically demanding jobs may require a longer recovery period.
You’ll usually attend a follow-up appointment with your consultant to check that the wound is healing properly and discuss your recovery progress.
Please contact the centre for pricing and payment information.
At Welbeck, our urology specialists are experts in their field and are dedicated to providing world-class care to every patient.
With access to colleagues across other specialties, our consultants are also able to refer within the Welbeck ecosystem if required to ensure you receive the treatment you need as quickly as possible, all under one roof.
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Frequently asked questions
Some small hydroceles may not require treatment and can simply be monitored if they’re not causing symptoms. However, larger or uncomfortable hydroceles in adults are unlikely to disappear on their own and often require surgery for long-term treatment.
You won’t feel pain during the procedure because anaesthetic is used. After surgery, mild to moderate discomfort and swelling are common for a few days, but this can usually be managed with pain relief medication and supportive underwear.
Hydrocele repair surgery is highly effective, and recurrence is uncommon. However, in a small number of cases, fluid can build up again in the future, and further treatment may be needed.
You should contact your consultant if you develop symptoms such as severe pain, increasing swelling, heavy bleeding, fever, redness around the wound, or difficulty passing urine after your procedure, as these may be signs of a complication.