Hydrocele Repair (child)
This page will give you information about a hydrocele
repair. If you have any questions, you should ask your GP or other
relevant health professional.
What is a hydrocele?
A hydrocele is a swelling around the testicle caused by a
collection of fluid.
All boys have a connection between their abdomen and their
scrotum before they are born. By birth, this connection is usually
closed. If it stays open, the fluid that surrounds the bowel may
trickle down and collect in the scrotum (see figure 1).
Figure 1
a Normal development
b An open connection causing a hydrocele
What are the benefits of surgery?
Your child should no longer have the hydrocele.
Are there any alternatives to surgery?
Surgery is usually recommended if the connection has not closed
by the time the child is three to four years old.
What does the operation involve?
Most hydroceles in children are repaired through a cut in the
groin. The operation is performed under a general anaesthetic. The
operation usually takes between half an hour and three-quarters of
an hour. Your surgeon will find the connection and tie it off.
What complications can happen?
1 General complications of any operation
- Pain
- Bleeding
- Infection in the surgical wound
- Unsightly scarring
2 Specific complications of this operation
- Developing a lump under the wound
- Injury to nerves that supply the skin around the groin
- Damage to the blood supply of the testicle or the tube that
carries sperm
How soon will my child recover?
Most children go home the same day. Your child will usually be
well enough to return to school after a week or so. In a small
number of cases the hydrocele can come back.
Summary
A hydrocele is a common condition where fluid collects around a
testicle. Surgery is usually recommended if a hydrocele continues
beyond the first three to four years of life.
Acknowledgements
Author: Mr Jonathan Sutcliffe FRCS and Mr Shailinder Singh FRCS
(Paed. Surg.)
Illustrations: Medical Illustration Copyright © 2007 Nucleus
Medical Art. All rights reserved. www.nucleusinc.com.
This document is intended for information purposes only and should
not replace advice that your relevant health professional would
give you.
Copyright © 2008 EIDO Healthcare
Limited
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