Surgery to treat a hydrocele is called hydrocelectomy, and there are different techniques which can be used. The most common is a simple procedure which is usually carried out as day surgery, where the surgeon makes a small incision in the scrotum before draining the excess fluid.

This surgery can also be conducted as a minimally invasive keyhole surgery procedure.

The benefits that this surgical procedure can bring include:

• Improved comfort and relief of symptoms
• Improvement in how the scrotum looks, boosting self-confidence

As with all kinds of surgical procedure, hydrocele surgery does have risks and possible complications. Some of these include:

• Infection
• Bleeding
• Increase in pain
• Increase in swelling
• Fluid seeping from the incision site
• Scar tissue
• Difference in size/sensation in affected scrotum

This kind of surgery is usually carried out under general anaesthetic, so you’ll be asleep while it’s being performed. Once the anaesthetic has taken effect, your surgeon will make a tiny incision in the scrotum or the lower abdominal wall (depending on the type of hydrocele and the technique being used). The excess fluid is then drained, using suction, from around the testicle and the hydrocele sac removed. Your surgeon will seal off the passage between the scrotum and the abdomen to prevent the fluid accumulating again in the future. The incision is closed with stitches or surgical glue and a dressing applied to prevent infection and support the scrotum.

If this procedure is performed as keyhole surgery, a thin tube with a tiny camera attached to the end is used via small incisions to allow the surgeon to see inside the scrotum. Small instruments can then be inserted to perform the procedure.

If you have hydrocele and its severity is causing you discomfort or pain or affecting your day-to-day activities, surgery could help. Surgery could also be right for you if the hydrocele swelling is large or affecting how your testicles function. By draining the fluid and/or removing the affected tissue, it could relieve your symptoms.

As this procedure is generally carried out as a day case, you’ll be able to go home after you’ve come round from the anaesthetic and have rested.

Once at home, you should wear close-fitting underwear during the day and at night for the first 14 days, which will help to support your scrotum as well as helping prevent swelling and easing discomfort. You may have to wear a support garment to help with this.

Rest for a few days to allow your body to heal, though you should gently move around to help avoid blood clots and gradually increase your activity. How long you should take off work after hydrocele surgery will depend on how extensive the procedure has been and the kind of job you do. If you are office-based, you may be able to return after 7 days, but physical roles may need a longer recovery period.

Avoid heavy lifting and rigorous exercise for between 4 and 6 weeks after your procedure.

You can take painkillers like paracetamol to help manage any discomfort. Keep the incision site clean and dry to help prevent infection and follow the aftercare guidance you’ve been given.