A hydrocoele is a fluid filled sac surrounding a testicle causing swelling of the scrotum. It can occur on one or both sides and is repaired surgically if causing discomfort.

General, regional or local anaesthetic may be used—the fluid is removed from the hydrocoele via a small cut in the scrotum—the sac may be removed or folded back behind the testicle and returned into the scrotum. Skin is stitched closed and sometimes a drain is required.

Repair of a hydrocoele is usually a day procedure and overnight stay is not required.

We will provide you with instructions regarding all aspects of preparing for your operation.

• Pre-operative blood and urine tests.
• Details of admission to hospital.
• Information regarding fasting and medications.
• Please bring 2 pairs of tight underpants with you for after surgery support.

In recovery, staff will make sure you are comfortable. Pain relief will be offered and given if required, and you will be able to eat and drink. There will be a dressing on your scrotum and tight underpants in place.

Once you are comfortable and have passed urine you may go home. A script for pain relief will be given.

This is a safe operation, however, you should be aware of the potential risks;

• Infection <5%,
• Bleeding / haematoma <5%,
• You may notice some bruising at the operation site but significant bleeding is very uncommon,
• Any other sort of complication such as an injury to the urethra would be extremely rare.

Please take things quietly for the first 24 hours after surgery. The dressing can be removed at 24 hours. This can be done in the shower. You can wash the wound area as soon as the dressing has been removed. Soap and tap water are entirely adequate. Salted water is not necessary. You can shower or take a bath as often as you want. Scrotal support should be maintained with briefs for the next 2-3 days.

There may be some purple bruising around the wound which spreads downwards by gravity and fades to a yellow colour after two or three days. This is expected and you should not worry about it.

There may also be some swelling of the surrounding skin which also improves in two to three days. After seven to ten days crusts on the wound will drop off.

The stitches take 2-3 weeks to dissolve. You may see a scab form at the wound site. This will gradually fall off. You should wait until the sutures dissolve before recommencing sexual activity. A condom may help with comfort when resuming sexual activity.

You should not drive for at least 1 week after the operation (or as instructed by your Urologist).

Patients who are travelling outside the metropolitan area are required to check when they are able to travel, and will be required to stay in the metropolitan area for 24 hours (or as instructed by your Urologist).

In the event of an emergency, call our office within business hours and speak to our Practice Nurse.  If out of hours, please call our office to contact our On-Call Urologist, or present to your nearest Emergency Department.

Royal Darwin Hospital

Rocklands Drive, Tiwi NT 0810 8922 8888 24 Hours

**For patient’s outside the Metropolitan area, please present to your nearest hospital emergency department.

A post operative appointment will be planned for about 3-4 weeks post operatively.

If you have any concerns after your procedure, please contact our office and speak to one of the practice nurses.

The content provided within this document is intended as a guide only and does not apply to all patients. Additional information, including patient specific potential risks, must be obtained during consultation with your Urologist.