Health Encyclopedia

Hydrocele repair

Definition

Hydrocele repair is surgery to correct a birth defect in which there is a passageway between the abdomen and scrotum. This defect causes fluid to collect around the testicle (a hydrocele).

Hydrocele in a child is different than adult hydrocele, in which there is usually no connection with the abdomen.

Alternative Names

Hydrocelectomy

Description

The surgery is done while the child is unconscious and pain-free (under general anesthesia). The surgeon makes a cut just above the groin and repairs the abnormal opening between the abdomen and scrotum.

After the fluid is removed from the scrotum, the opening is closed with stitches. In some cases, the procedure can be done laparoscopically, which involves smaller surgical cuts.

Indications

Hydroceles often go away on their own. They should be repaired when they cause symptoms, or if they occur during an inguinal hernia repair.

Risks

Risks for any anesthesia include the following:

Reactions to medications
Problems breathing

Risks for any surgery include the following:

Bleeding
Infection

Expectations after surgery

The success rate for hydrocele repair is very high. The long-term outlook is excellent.

Convalescence

The surgery is done at an outpatient clinic. Patients usually make a quick recovery. However, the child should be encouraged to rest for the first few days after surgery. Normal activity can usually start again in about 4 - 7 days.

References

Schneck FX, Bellinger MF. Abnormalities of the testes and scrotum and their surgical management. In: Wein AJ, ed. Campbell-Walsh Urology. 9th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007: chap 127.

Elder JS. Disorders and anomalies of the scrotal contents. In: Kliegman RM, Behrman RE, Jenson HB, Stanton BF, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 18th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007: chap 545.

Review Date:9/7/2008
Reviewed By:Linda Vorvick, MD, Seattle Site Coordinator, Lecturer, Pathophysiology, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington School of Medicine; and Louis S. Liou, MD, PhD, Assistant Professor of Urology, Department of Surgery, Boston University School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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