Everything You Need to Know About Hydrocele

What is Hydrocele?

A hydrocele is a condition that occurs due to the accumulation of fluids in the scrotum, around the testicles. Usually, it is not dangerous but, in rare cases it can cause pain and discomfort due to the decrease of blood supply to the penis which might require immediate treatment to avoid severe complications such as testicular cancer.

How does Hydrocele form?

A hydrocele is a common condition among newborn babies. In babies, it develops in the womb, when the passage that allows the testicles to move from the abdomen to the scrotum fails to close completely and usually disappears without treatment within a few months. However, older boys and adult men may also develop a hydrocele due to an injury or inflammation that is caused by an infection within the scrotum.

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Types of Hydrocele

1. Communicating hydrocele
2. Non-communicating hydrocele

Causes & Symptoms of Hydrocele

• Congenital
• Injury to the scrotum
• Inflammation caused by infection in the scrotum
• Swelling in the scrotum
• Feeling of heaviness in the scrotum
• Causes pain

Diagnosis of Hydrocele

Test

• Blood Test: You will be required to go for a blood test in order to determine your complete blood count. Blood test helps in detecting possible infections such as epididymitis.
• Urine test: In order to ascertain the cause of hydrocele and determine if there is an underlying infection, you will be required to go for a urine test.

Self Diagnosis

Usually, the only indication of a hydrocele is swelling of one or both the testicles. Adult men diagnosed with a hydrocele may experience discomfort from the heaviness of a swollen scrotum. If the hydrocele continues to grow in size due to the fluid build up, it may gradually increase the pain. However, it would be best for you to consult a doctor as the symptoms might also be the cause of a condition of inguinal hernia.

Diagnosis By Doctor

To diagnose a hydrocele, the doctor will initially perform a physical exam. If you have a hydrocele, your scrotum will be swollen, but you will not experience any pain. The doctor may check for tenderness in the scrotum by a process called transillumination that allows them to determine if there is a fluid build up in the scrotum. Further, the doctor may also apply pressure to the abdomen and ask you to stand, strain, or cough in order to confirm the diagnosis as there are similar symptoms involved in case of an inguinal hernia. After a thorough diagnosis of the hydrocele is completed, the doctor might recommend the best mode of treatment to treat your condition.

Prevention of Hydrocele

There is no proven way to prevent the occurence of a hydrocele in a baby. In the case of adults, the best way to prevent a hydrocele is by keeping the scrotum or testicles free from an injury by wearing certain protective gears while performing strenuous physical activities. Although hydroceles may not cause any discomfort, you should consult a doctor if you are experiencing  any abnormality or swelling in the scrotum.

When to see a Hydrocele Doctor?

A condition of hydrocele might not cause any sort of discomfort and may often disappear with time without any prior treatment. However, in certain cases where a scrotal swelling is prevalent, you may consider seeking medical help to rule out other causes of the swelling that might require immediate treatment. Delaying proper treatment of hydrocele can lead to complications that can be severe.

Questions to ask your doctor regarding Hydrocele

1. Should I be worried about the condition?
2. Are there any chances that I may have another condition?
3. Do I need an immediate treatment for my hydrocele?
4. What are the treatment options available to me?
5. How can I help myself/my child stay comfortable?
6. Are there any chances of the hydrocele affecting my fertility?
7. Given my conditions, how long can I wait for the surgery?
8. What are the measures I can take to avoid possible complications?
9. Do the signs and symptoms indicate that I need an immediate treatment?
10. Are there any restrictions that I should follow?

Hydrocele Treatment Options & Cost

Non Surgical Hydrocele Treatment:

Aspiration and Sclerotherapy: Aspiration is a minimally-invasive procedure that involves the injecting of a needle into the hydrocele for withdrawing the fluid. After the fluid is removed, the doctor injects a sclerosing agent that uses a combination of sodium tetradecyl sulphate (STDS) inside the sack around the testicle. This helps in preventing the fluid build up.

This procedure is commonly performed on men who are at a higher risk of complications during surgery. However, there is a slight chance that the hydrocele may come back within months, which would require another round of aspiration and sclerotherapy.

Surgical Hydrocele Treatment:

• Laser hydrocelectomy: Undergoing a laser hydrocelectomy is the most long-lasting repair of hydrocele, with a much reduced risk of recurrence and a quicker rate of recovery with no risks of infection or blood clots. Performed under the influence of an anaesthesia, this procedure uses a high-intensity laser beam to drain the accumulated fluid. The doctor then removes the sac in order to prevent the recurrence of the condition. The procedure is completed in less than 30 minutes and the patient in most cases can go home in 6 to 12 hours after the procedure.
• Open hydrocelectomy: This is a surgical procedure that is usually performed under the influence of general anesthesia. During this procedure, the surgeon makes a cut in the scrotum or groin area and drains out the fluid via suction. The surgeon then closes the communication to the canal between the abdominal cavity and the scrotum, before removing the hydrocele sac and closing the incisions with sutures or surgical strips.

Hydrocele Surgery Preparation

• As with most surgeries, you will need to refrain from consuming any food or fluids for at least 8 hours prior to the treatment.
• Before going for the surgery, you should inform your surgeon about any prescribed or over-the-counter medications you are taking in order to avoid possible complications during the procedure.
• You may be required to go for certain pre-operative medical evaluations such as blood tests and urine tests in order to make sure that you are healthy enough to undergo a surgery.
• You should take a shower before going for the surgery as you will be required to keep the surgical area dry, to eliminate the risk of developing any infections post the surgery.
• Before the surgery, you should discuss the possibilities of having an allergic reaction to the anaesthesia as it can help in avoiding complications like shortness of breath, low blood pressure and an abnormal heart rhythm.

What to expect during the Hydrocele Surgery?

• During the surgery, you will be put under the influence of a general anaesthesia, which will help to ease the pain and discomfort during the surgery.
• The surgeon will then make a small cut or incision in the scrotum.
• The accumulated fluid is then drained out of the hydrocele and then the tissue that forms around the hydrocele is removed or repositioned.
• A thin tube may be placed in the incision for draining out the fluid. Once the fluid is drained out, the tube is removed.
• Once the procedure is complete, the incision is closed with stitches or sutures.

After the Hydrocele surgery

• After the surgery is complete, you will be shifted to an observation room until the reaction of the anaesthesia wears off.
• Once you are fully awake, you will be shifted to a ward, where the doctors and nurses will monitor your condition to make sure that you do not face any complications.
• If a breathing tube was used, you might feel soreness around your throat.
• To reduce the swelling, an ice pack may be put in the surgical area.
• Depending on your overall health conditions, you will be prepared for a discharge from the hospital.

Before & After the Hydrocele Surgery

Generally, the results of a hydrocelectomy may take about 6-8 weeks to show up. But, it is to be noted that the healing or recovery time varies from patient to patient. Hydrocelectomy is an advanced and effective procedure that involves no risks and complications. However, to ensure proper and faster recovery, timely follow-up sessions with the doctor are highly advised.

Cost of Hydrocelectomy in India

The cost of hydrocelectomy in India with Pristyn Care may range anywhere between Rs 30,000 to Rs 80,000. But, this cost range can vary from person to person, depending on multiple factors like:

1. Severity of the condition
2. Doctor’s fee
3. Type and location of the hospital chosen to undergo the treatment
4. Cost of diagnostic tests and medications, before and after the surgery

Is Hydrocele covered under Insurance?

Like most of the surgeries, a hydrocele repair surgery is covered under insurance at Pristyn Care. To find out more about the insurance coverage, you can get in touch with our medical coordinators. We have an insurance team to look after all your documents and assist you in the claim process.

Hydrocele Recovery Rate

After the surgery, you may experience bruising or swelling in your groin or scrotum and this would usually get better in 2 to 3 weeks. A hydrocelectomy is an effective treatment for hydrocele, and there is barely any major complications post-surgery. The procedure is minimally painful and the hydrocele recovery after the procedure is also very quick. You can get back to performing your daily activities within a week. However, you will have to avoid performing strenuous activities like straddling, riding a bike, or cycling in order to prevent possible complications for a few weeks post-surgery.

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