Hydrocele repair is surgery to correct the swelling of the scrotum that occurs when you have a hydrocele. A hydrocele is a collection of fluid around a testicle. Baby boys sometimes have a hydrocele at birth. Hydroceles also occur in older boys and men.
An incision is made in the scrotum or lower abdomen to remove the hydrocele. If a hydrocele is found during surgery to repair an inguinal hernia, the surgeon might remove the hydrocele even if it's causing no discomfort. After hydrocelectomy, you might need a tube to drain fluid and a bulky dressing for a few days.
Most hydroceles in infants will go away by the time they are 2 years old. Your surgeon may recommend hydrocele repair if the hydrocele: Becomes too large. Causes problems with blood flow.
For people with very large and uncomfortable hydroceles, surgery to remove them might be the best option. Another treatment option is to drain the hydrocele using needle aspiration . In this procedure, a doctor inserts a long needle into the sac to draw out the fluid.
A hydrocele typically isn't dangerous and usually doesn't affect fertility. But a hydrocele might be associated with an underlying testicular condition that can cause serious complications, including: Infection or tumor. Either might reduce sperm production or function.