Hydrocele

Hydrocele surgery is usually an operation with a low risk of complications. Postoperative complications such as edema, blood accumulation, infection and rarely recurrent hydrocele may occur. A rest period of about 1 week may be required for postoperative recovery. It can be performed under local or regional anesthesia. During surgery, the outer layer of the membrane is removed and excess fluid is drained. If there is infected fluid, a sample is taken for microbiological examination.Complications such as edema, hematoma, infection and rarely recurrent hydrocele may occur in the postoperative period. Therefore, careful follow-up is necessary in the postoperative period.

Hydrocele treatment may usually involve the use of one or more of the following methods:

•  Monitoring (Observation): If the hydrocele is usually not symptomatic or is mild in symptoms, the doctor may monitor the patient regularly. During this monitoring, attention is paid to whether there are changes in symptoms and whether there is any growth or discomfort in the hydrocele.
• Aspiration and Fluid Extraction: When the symptoms of a hydrocele become uncomfortable or the fluid accumulation is too great, the doctor may aspirate the fluid from the scrotum. This is usually an aspiration procedure with a needle. However, this treatment usually provides temporary relief and may increase the risk of the hydrocele reoccurring.
• Hydrocele Surgery (Hydroseectomy): Surgery may be needed to permanently treat the hydrocele. During this surgery, part of the membrane surrounding the testicles, called the tunica vaginalis, is removed and the fluid in the scrotum is drained. This procedure is usually done under local or regional anesthesia and is usually safe and effective. During surgery, a hernia under the hydrocele, if present, is also repaired.
• Laparoscopic Surgery: In some cases, if there is a hernia in the scrotum due to the hydrocele or if the hydrocele is causing other complications, laparoscopic surgery may be needed. This surgical method is performed using small incisions and with the help of a camera, and can offer a faster healing process.

Hydrocele can often occur in both childhood and adulthood. In this case, children are usually expected to heal on their own until the age of 2; however, if there is no improvement, surgery is recommended. In children, hydrocele operations are usually performed in the groin area, while in adults it is usually performed in the scrotal area.

• Physical Examination: The doctor will examine the scrotum (scrotum) and check for any abnormal swelling or fluid accumulation. If there is fluid accumulation in the scrotum, the presence of this fluid can be evaluated with a method called transillumination (shining light in a dark environment).
• Ultrasonography (USG): Ultrasonography is commonly used to visually confirm fluid accumulation in the scrotum. This imaging technique helps in assessing the size, condition and presence of the hydrocele.
• Medical History and Symptoms: The patient provides information about the symptoms they are experiencing. This supports the diagnosis of a hydrocele, especially if there are symptoms such as swelling, pain or discomfort in the scrotum.
• Imaging Tests: In rare cases, advanced imaging tests such as computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can be used to determine the cause of the hydrocele. These tests are usually done to rule out another condition underlying the hydrocele.
• Laboratory Tests: If the cause of the hydrocele is infection or another medical condition, the fluid sample may be examined for laboratory tests.

The accumulation of more fluid than normal between the two layers of membranes surrounding the testicle is called hydrocele.