Advanced Hydrocele Surgery (Hydrocelectomy) in India

Hydrocele Treatment

Surgical Treatment of Hydrocele

A hydrocele surgery, medically termed hydrocelectomy, is generally considered a safe and effective treatment for hydrocele. It is a surgical procedure that involves making an incision in the scrotum or lower abdomen to drain any accumulated fluid. There are primarily two methods of performing a hydrocelectomy: 

• Laparoscopic Hydrocelectomy: A laparoscopic hydrocelectomy is an advanced and minimally invasive hydrocele repair surgery. Unlike traditional methods, laparoscopic hydrocelectomy involves making a small incision in the abdomen. Your surgeon will then use this incision to insert small, specially designed surgical tools and a laparoscope, a thin, flexible tube with a camera attached to it, to visualize the internal structure of the scrotum on a monitor. 

Once the instruments are in place and your surgeon has a clear view of the hydrocele sac, they will carefully drain the hydrocele sac of any fluids. Your urologist may excise and remove the sac to prevent the fluid from accumulating again. The entire procedure is performed under general anesthesia, meaning you will be asleep throughout the procedure. 

• Open Hydrocelectomy: In this procedure, the surgeon makes an incision in the scrotum or groin area to drain the fluid via suction. The surgeon then closes the communication between the abdominal cavity and the scrotum. Similar to laparoscopic hydrocelectomy, your hydrocele specialist may remove the sac or stitch it close to prevent recurrence. After the hydrocele sac has been addressed, the incision is closed using sutures or surgical staples. 

The procedure for open hydrocelectomy is very similar to laparoscopic hydrocele operation. The key difference between the two procedures is the size of the incision being made. The incision size for a laparoscopic hydrocelectomy is smaller as compared to the incision made for open hydrocelectomy.

Non-Surgical Treatments for Hydrocele

While hydrocelectomy is generally considered to be an effective treatment for hydrocele, your urologist may use some non-surgical methods before considering surgery. Some non-surgical treatments for hydrocele are given below:

• Needle Aspiration and Sclerotherapy: Aspiration and sclerotherapy is a commonly used non-surgical treatment for unilateral and bilateral hydrocele. In this procedure, your surgeon will attempt to drain the fluid from the hydrocele using a needle and syringe. This process is called aspiration. Once the fluid is removed, a sclerosing agent (such as a medication or chemical irritant) may be injected into the hydrocele sac to promote its closure and prevent recurrence. 
• ‘Wait-and-see’ Approach:  If the hydrocele is small and not causing discomfort, your healthcare provider may recommend a “wait-and-see” approach. This involves regular monitoring to ensure the hydrocele does not worsen or cause complications. In some cases, hydroceles may resolve on their own without any intervention.

Home Remedies for Hydrocele 

To help relieve and manage some of the symptoms you may be experiencing due to hydrocele, your urologist may recommend some home remedies such as:

• Draining the Hydrocele through Epsom salts: Taking Epsom salt baths at least twice or thrice a week can help relieve the hydrocele’s tenderness, soreness, and pain. Additionally, Epsom salt baths can help improve blood circulation in the scrotum.
• Black Pepper and Cumin Paste: Applying a paste made of black pepper and cumin powder is another commonly used remedy for hydroceles. The paste can help relieve pain and inflammation caused by the hydrocele temporarily.
• Ice Packs: If the pain and soreness become intense, your urologist may suggest the use of ice packs or cold compress. Cold compression can help relieve some pain and reduce scrotal swelling. 
• Black Tea: Black tea can significantly help you relieve hydrocele symptoms. Black tea can help soothe the pain and swelling caused by the hydrocele. 
• Supportive Measures: Wearing snug or supportive underwear or jockstrap can help provide some support to the scrotum and help relieve some symptoms related to hydrocele. This can also help reduce the sensation of heaviness or dragging associated with large hydroceles. 

Benefits of Laparoscopic Hydrocelectomy

Alongside its ability to effectively treat hydrocele in men, laparoscopic hydrocelectomy offers several benefits compared to traditional methods. Some benefits of laparoscopic hydrocelectomy are given below:

• Minimally Invasive: Laparoscopic hydrocelectomy is an advanced and minimally invasive hydrocele surgery. It involves making small incisions instead of large, open incision. This results in less trauma to the surrounding tissues, reduced scarring, and decreased postoperative pain.
• Less Recovery Time: Due to its minimally invasive nature, laparoscopic hydrocelectomy requires less recovery time as compared to open hydrocele surgery. The smaller incisions result in less tissue trauma, leading to a shorter hospital stay and a quicker return to normal activities and lifestyles.
• Better Visualization: A laparoscope is a thin, tube-like medical instrument with a light source and a high-resolution camera at the tip. A laparoscope gives the surgeon a better, magnified view of the surgical site. This enhanced visualization allows the hydrocele procedure to be more precise and meticulous. 
• Reduced Risk of Complications: Laparoscopic hydrocele surgery is generally associated with a reduced risk of postoperative complications such as infection, bleeding, and wound healing problems. 
• Better Cosmetic Outcome: The smaller incisions used in laparoscopic hydrocele surgery result in smaller scars, which can be less noticeable and cosmetically preferable compared to the larger incisions required in open surgery.

Preparation Before Hydrocele Surgery

Before your hydrocele treatment, following the preoperative preparations and guidelines recommended by your urologist is important. The exact preparations and guidelines will likely vary depending on your overall health and other factors. Some common preparations that are usually recommended before a hydrocele procedure include:

• Refrain from eating or drinking anything at least 6 hours before the hydrocele operation. 
• Inform your surgeon about any medications or supplements you may be taking. You can continue taking them as prescribed, but your urologist may instruct you to stop taking certain medications before the surgery.
• Refrain from smoking for at least 48-72 hours before the surgery. Smoking can impair healing and increase the risk of complications during or after surgery. 
• Make sure to have an empty bowel before arriving at the hospital. Your healthcare provider will likely provide detailed instructions if bowel preparation is necessary. 
• Hydrocelectomy is usually performed under general anesthesia, and you may face some side effects such as nausea, sleepiness, or blurred vision. It is important to arrange for someone to drive you home or accompany you in a cab after your hydrocele operation. 
• Make sure to take a shower before arriving at the hospital. Use antiseptic soap to clean your scrotum and groin area thoroughly. Avoid the use of lotions or creams. It is advisable to wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothes. 

Potential Risks and Complications

While complications of any kind after a hydrocele repair surgery are rare, they can still happen and should not be taken lightly. Some potential complications that may occur after your hydrocelectomy surgery are given below:

• Excessive bleeding
• Abnormal healing
• Infection
• Mass of clotted blood or hematoma
• Swelling or bruising
• Formation of scar tissue
• Recurrence
• Complications from anesthesia

If you are facing any persistent side effects that worsen over time or notice any odd symptoms during recovery, it is advised to inform your healthcare provider about them. These could be signs of potential complications and require prompt medical attention.

What is the Average Hydrocele Surgery Cost in India?

On average, hydrocele surgery costs in India can range anywhere from Rs. 30,000 to Rs. 80,000. The exact surgery cost, however, is likely to vary depending on various factors. Some common factors that may affect hydrocele operation costs in India are:

• Consultation charges 
• Operating charges
• Hospital charges
• Cost of preoperative diagnostic tests
• Cost of postoperative medications and follow-ups.  

Is Hydrocele Surgery Covered by Insurance?

Yes, a hydrocelectomy is generally covered by most health insurance plans in India as it is generally deemed a medical necessity. Hydrocele can significantly affect a patient’s daily life and, if left untreated, may also lead to serious complications. Additionally, hydrocele treatment is considered a standard medical procedure and is recognized by medical professionals as a necessary intervention to treat the condition. Therefore, health insurance companies are required to cover hydrocelectomy costs under Affordable Care Act (ACA).

Prior to surgery, it is advised to have a detailed discussion about your insurance plan and its inclusions and exclusions with your insurance provider. If you still have any queries, you can also get in touch with our insurance team at Pristyn Care for further assistance.

What happens if hydrocele is left untreated?

Hydroceles are generally harmless and don’t pose any serious risks. However, if your hydrocele is symptomatic, it is important to consult with your healthcare provider as soon as possible. If left untreated for a prolonged period, some complications that may arise are given below:

• Rupture of the Hydrocele: If left untreated, the fluid accumulated in the scrotum may increase. Over time, it could exert excessive pressure on the scrotum. The hydrocele may even rupture due to excessive pressure or strain. Such a complication can be dangerous to the overall health.
• Formation of Hematocele: Hematocele is a swelling caused by blood collection in a body cavity. Any injury or trauma around the scrotal region can cause spontaneous bleeding inside the sac. The formation of a hematocele around the scrotum can be severe and requires an immediate medical response from your healthcare provider. 
• Fournier’s Gangrene: If left untreated, hydrocele can increase the risk of developing Fournier’s gangrene. It is a rare bacterial infection that can occur on your scrotum, penis, or perineum and can be life-threatening. It often requires emergency care and management. 
• Damage to the Testiscles: Any injury to the testicles can lead to excess pressure on the testicles and may lead to testicular torsion (a condition where the spermatic cord within your scrotum becomes twisted). Testicular torsion is a very painful condition and requires prompt medical attention. If left untreated, testicular torsion can cause permanent damage to the testicles.
• Sexual Dysfunction: While rare, hydrocele can have a negative effect on spermatogenesis and reduce sperm quality. Accumulation of fluid in the scrotum can cause an increase in the temperature inside the scrotum.