Hydrocele (Adult) Repair HF#4282

A hydrocele is a fluid filled sac in the scrotum.

 

After Surgery

 

• For the first 2 to 3 days or so, you will have discomfort in your testicles and scrotum.  Pain medicine will be ordered for you to take as needed.  The scrotum may be tender for up to one month.
• Your scrotum will be very swollen for several days.  To help reduce swelling, you may use an ice pack for the first 24 hours only.  Use the ice pack for 20 minutes on, then 20 minutes off.

 

Wound Care

 

• For the first 5 days, keep the wound clean and dry.  Keep the wound covered with a gauze pad.  Change the gauze pad daily, and if it gets wet or soiled.
• For the first 5 days, wear a scrotal support at all times.  Keep the scrotal support clean and dry.
• You may shower after 2 days.  Blot the area dry.
• Do not soak in a bathtub, swimming pool, Jacuzzi, or hot tub for 5 days. 

 

Activity Guidelines

 

• Do not lift more than 10 pounds for 3 weeks.
• No sexual activity for 5 days.
• The length of time needed before you can go back to work depends on how well you recover and the kind of work you do.  Check with your doctor.

 

Follow-Up

 

You will have a follow up visit in 7 – 14 days.  This will be scheduled before you leave the hospital.

When to Call the Doctor

 

• Redness, warmth, or pus-like drainage from the incision
• Severe pain for more than 5 days
• Increase in swelling or swelling of scrotum that lasts for more than 5 days
• Temperature over 100.5° F. by mouth, for 2 readings taken 4 hours apart
• Bleeding that soaks the dressing in 1 hour or less

 

Phone Numbers

 

Monday-Friday 8:00am – 4:30pm call:  Urology Clinic staff:  608-263-4757

 

Nights, Weekends, Holidays:  Call 608-262-0486.  This number will give you the message center.  Ask the operator to page the Urology Doctor on call.  Leave your name, area code and phone number.  The doctor will call you back.

 

If you live out of the area, please call 1-800-323-8942.

 

Your Medical Record Number is:  __________________________

 

The information provided should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

Last Updated: 07/03/2009

Copyright © 07/03/2009 University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority. All rights reserved. Produced by the Department of Nursing. HF#4282

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