A hydrocele is a medical condition in which some fluid tends to collect the scrotal sac. Hydroceles cause swelling and discomfort that can make everyday routines difficult. Hydrocele surgery called hydrocelectomy becomes necessary when the condition is severe or keeps recurring even after home remedies and medications.

If you have also recently undergone hydrocele surgery or are planning to undergo one soon, this piece is for you. 

Precautions To Be Followed After Hydrocele Surgery

Here are all the precautions in detail that you must follow to recover fast after the hydrocele surgery.  

And these precautionary tips will work effectively for not just hydrocele only but also for any general surgery a person may undergo.

• Do not overexert yourself

The more you rest well, the more speedy your recovery is. When you refrain from overexerting yourself, it allows your body to heal faster. Whereas when you tend to indulge in physical activities that result in exertion, it just adds up to your discomfort or uneasiness while recovering.

• Go for small walks every day
  
  

Staying active is the key to a faster recovery after hydrocele surgery. Try to walk small distances every day. Walk a little more than what you did the day before and gradually increase the distance you walk. Doing this would ensure proper blood flow and also maintain a proper bowel movement.

• Avoid strenuous exercise

If you’ve recently had a hydrocelectomy, activities that strain and pressurize the lower body are a big no. Do not indulge in any such exercises as these can further irritate the scrotal region and increase postoperative pain. Therefore, avoid activities like bicycling, jogging, swimming, and aerobics for about 2-3 weeks after the surgery.

• Refrain from heavy weight lifting

For about 2-4 weeks after hydrocele surgery, do not lift anything that weighs more than 10 pounds. Doing so can result in scarring and further add to your misery. Avoid lifting heavy grocery bags, briefcases, or any other heavy thing.

• Eat light and healthy food
  
  

Post-surgery, you can eat your normal diet. But try to avoid heavy and greasy foods as these can cause constipation and hinder proper bowel movement. For healthy and easy digestion, try to eat light and incorporate more fiber-rich foods in your diet. (Also Read: Foods to avoid with hydrocele)

• Stay hydrated
  

Make sure that you drink plenty of fluids and stay hydrated at all times. Dehydration can impair the healing process and thus slow down your recovery. Therefore, drink water and healthy juices at regular intervals of time.

• Maintain proper hygiene of the scrotal area

Keep the scrotal area clean and dry. Wash the area daily using mild soap and warm water, and then pat it dry. Remember not to use alcohol or hydrogen peroxide as these can slow down the healing of the incision. If you have bandages put on the scrotal region, keep them dry and replace the bandage with a new one at regular intervals of time.

• Do not shower for the first 24-48 hours

Showering is not advised for the first 24-48 hours after surgery. After 48 hours, you can take a shower but do not soak your scrotal region underwater. Also, do not take baths and avoid swimming until the doctor tells you that it is okay to do so.

• Avoid wearing tight-fit clothes

Do not wear clothes that are tight around the waist and groin area until you recover completely. Wearing tight-fitted clothes can result in irritations in the scrotal region and thus can lead to a lot of pain and discomfort. Rather, try to wear loose and comfortable clothes.

• Wear proper scrotal support

You can wear jockstraps and scrotal supports for about 1-2 weeks post hydrocele surgery. Scrotal supports to minimize the pressure to the scrotal region and thus help you carry on with your routine activities without much discomfort.

• Refrain from indulging in sexual activities

Sexual activities and sexual intercourse are usually not advised for 3-4 weeks after hydrocele surgery. Discuss with your doctor about the time period for which you need to refrain from sexual activities.

So, these are all the do’s and don’ts to ensure that you face no hiccup while recovering from a hydrocele 

A piece of interesting information: It will hold your interest more to know that if you undergo laser hydrocelectomy, the whole recovery takes just 3-5 days. Yes! A very short recovery period. And the laser hydrocelectomy is minimally invasive. Want to know how? Let’s find out all about laser hydrocelectomy.

Laser hydrocelectomy- Modern treatment for hydroceles

The modern laser procedure for treating hydroceles is not at all invasive in nature as it does not make use of big cuts or incisions on the scrotum. The laser beam is effective enough to drain out the fluid from the hydroceles so that the scrotum can regain its original size without any deep wound. 

Laser hydrocelectomy completes under 15-20 minutes and there is not a hint of pain for the patient. This modern treatment is a daycare procedure that allows the patient to return home within 24 hours of the surgery. So, there is no longer stay at the hospital. And one more thing, the success rate of laser hydrocelectomy is as high as 100%. Hence, it won’t be false to say that laser hydrocelectomy is as convenient and safe as it sounds.

Please note

Precautions are necessary for you to follow during your recovery.  A few days of precautions can save you from long-term discomforts. Also, another way to save yourself from the discomforts of a conventional hydrocele surgery is to go for a laser hydrocelectomy. 

Also Read:

• Complications of hydrocele
• Home remedies for hydrocele
• Hydrocele with hernia- causes, signs, and treatment