Hydrocele Excision
Cost: $3,530 USD
Type of procedure: Outpatient surgery
What is Hydrocele Excision?
Hydrocele excision is a surgical procedure performed to drain and remove a hydrocele, which is a buildup of fluid in the sac surrounding the testicle, causing swelling and discomfort in the scrotum. Hydrocele is common in adult men and, although generally harmless, can cause discomfort or overgrowth if left untreated.
During surgery, a small incision is made in the scrotum or groin to drain fluid and remove the hydrocele sac, preventing it from filling with fluid again. This procedure is performed on an outpatient basis, allowing the patient to return home the same day.
Includes
- Medical Team
The procedure is performed by a team specialized in urology, ensuring a safe and effective intervention for the treatment of hydrocele.
- Laboratory
Includes complete pre-surgical studies to evaluate the patient’s general health and ensure that he or she is in optimal condition for surgery.
- Office
Chest imaging examination using a chest X-ray, which confirms that the patient does not have respiratory problems that could interfere with anesthesia and the safety of the procedure.
- Preoperative evaluation by Internal Medicine + EKG
A complete evaluation by an internist and an electrocardiogram (EKG) to confirm that the patient is in adequate condition to undergo the intervention.
- Postoperative visits
Postoperative follow-up to ensure that the incision heals properly and that the hydrocele does not reappear.
- Pathology study
In some cases, the hydrocele tissue is sent to the pathology laboratory to rule out any abnormalities, especially if the hydrocele is of considerable size or has unusual characteristics.
Preparing for surgery
For hydrocele excision, the medical team may tell the patient to:
- Fasting for at least 6 to 8 hours before the procedure to ensure that the stomach is empty.
- Discontinuation of certain medications, especially blood thinners, to reduce the risk of bleeding during the procedure.
- Comfortable, loose clothing to facilitate returning home after the outpatient procedure.
Recovery
Recovery from hydrocele excision is rapid and the patient can usually return to normal activities within a short time. Typical recommendations include:
- Avoid strenuous physical activity for one to two weeks to allow proper healing of the incision.
- Keep the incision area clean and dry, following the instructions of the medical team to prevent infection.
- Use a scrotal support if recommended, to reduce pain and postoperative swelling.
Most patients can return to normal activities within a few days, although it is recommended to avoid strenuous exercise until the area is completely healed.
Risks and Complications
Although it is a safe procedure, hydrocele excision does have some risks, including:
- Infection at the incision site, which may require treatment with antibiotics.
- Bruising or fluid buildup in the treated area, which usually resolves on its own.
- Recurrence of hydrocele in rare cases, which may require further intervention.
The medical team provides detailed instructions to minimize these risks and ensure a smooth recovery.