This service is also available to paediatric patients aged 3+
Hydrocele repair (paediatrics)
A hydrocele repair is the removal or repair of a fluid-filled sac (hydrocele) surrounding the testicle.
02036532042
What is a hydrocele repair?
A hydrocele is an accumulation of fluid in the sac that surrounds the testicles (the scrotum). Hydroceles are often painless and can get better on their own, especially in children under 1, but it’s important to get any swelling in your child’s scrotum checked to rule out any other issues.
Hydroceles are common in newborn babies as fluid from the abdomen can enter the scrotum through a channel that is present in foetal development but typically closes off just before or shortly after birth. Most often, the fluid is gradually absorbed as the baby grows, and the hydrocele is gone by the age of 1.
Sometimes older children can develop a hydrocele following certain conditions such as injury of the scrotum, scrotal inflammation, infections, and tumours.
When a hydrocele does not resolve on its own, or if it’s particularly large or causing pain or discomfort, surgery may be required to repair the hydrocele. A hydrocele repair is the removal or repair of a fluid-filled sac (hydrocele) surrounding the testicle.
At Welbeck, we offer hydrocele repair to paediatric patients aged 3+. For full information on our paediatrics service, please visit our main Paediatrics page.
What does hydrocele repair involve?
At Welbeck, hydrocele repair is carried out as a day procedure by our team of expert paediatric urologists in our state-of-the-art facilities.
The procedure can be carried out under general anaesthetic (where your child is asleep during the procedure) or using a spinal anaesthetic (where your child is awake, but numb from the waist down). Your urologist will discuss these options with you and recommend which is most suitable for your child.
Hydrocele repair is a very straightforward procedure. A small incision will be made in the scrotum and the fluid drained. The scrotum will then be closed with dissolvable stitches, and a dressing will be applied over the wound.
After the effects of the anaesthetic have worn off and your child feels well enough, you will be able to take them home. This usually takes a few hours.
What are the risks of hydrocele repair?
Hydrocele repair is usually a straightforward procedure with few complications or side effects.
Common side effects of a hydrocele repair include:
- discomfort and swelling of the scrotum
- a bulky feeling around the testicle due to the bunching up of the remaining sac
More rarely, side effects can include:
- collection of blood around the testicle
- infection
- recurrence of the hydrocele
How to prepare for hydrocele repair
There’s no preparation required for your child to have a hydrocele repair. If there are any special requirements, your consultant will make you aware before the surgery.
Recovery and aftercare
After hydrocele repair, your child may feel tired and unwell from the general anaesthetic. This is normal and should improve within 24 hours.
They will experience discomfort for a few days and may also have some swelling of the scrotum. They can take paracetamol or use ice packs to help alleviate this.
Your child can return to regular activities after 2 to 3 days if they feel well enough, but will need to avoid too much physical activity for the first 2 weeks. The stitches should dissolve within 2 to 3 weeks, although full recovery can take up to 4 to 6 weeks.
Caring for your child after hydrocele repair:
- use regular pain relief such as paracetamol. You’ll be given advice about this before you go home
- keep the dressing clean and dry for 24 hours, and then remove it carefully in the shower
- don’t give your child long baths or showers, as this may cause the stitches to dissolve too quickly
- encourage your child to wear supportive pants
- avoid your child doing too much physical activity until the area starts to feel better. This typically takes around 2 weeks
Get in touch if:
- your child is in a lot of pain that isn’t helped with over-the-counter pain relief
- the area becomes inflamed, red, hot or produces fluid or pus
- your child has a high temperature or feels shivery
How much does hydrocele repair cost?
Please contact our Surgery Centre for pricing information.
Why choose Welbeck?
At Welbeck, our urologists are experts in their field and are dedicated to providing world-class care to every patient. Your child will receive the best possible care throughout their procedure in a welcoming and supportive environment where you both feel listened to.
With access to colleagues across other specialties, our consultants are also able to refer within the Welbeck ecosystem if required to ensure your child receives the treatment they need as quickly as possible, all under one roof.
All appointments, testing, treatment, and follow-up appointments take place within our state-of-the-art facilities, enabling us to deliver accurate diagnostics and advanced treatments.
Book a private appointment
If you would like to schedule a consultation for your child, please get in touch to make an appointment. Your child’s health is important to us, so we strive to offer same-day appointments whenever possible.
Our consultants are recognised by the major health insurance companies. If you have private health insurance, your treatment at Welbeck can begin once you have obtained authorisation. We also provide care to self-paying patients. Learn more about the different payment options at Welbeck.
FAQs
When should I seek advice about a hydrocele?
If your child has a hydrocele that has not resolved by the age of 1 or is causing pain or discomfort, you should contact your doctor for advice.
Are there any alternatives to hydrocele repair?
The main alternative to hydrocele repair is to monitor the hydrocele to see if it gets better over time on its own. Drainage of a hydrocele is not usually recommended, as fluid will commonly reaccumulate and therefore does not solve the problem.
Is hydrocele repair painful?
Hydrocele repair is carried out under general or spinal anaesthetic, so the procedure itself should not be painful. Recovery after surgery will involve some discomfort and swelling in the scrotum as the wound heals. This can be alleviated using paracetamol, and strenuous physical activity should be avoided.
How soon can my child return to school after hydrocele repair?
Your child may return to school after a few days if they feel well enough, but they’ll need to avoid too much physical activity for the first 1 to 2 weeks after surgery. For young children, where the school day typically involves lots of physical activity, it may be advisable to keep them at home for longer.
Treatment Programme
Hydrocele repair (paediatrics)
Paediatric Patients Aged 3+ Seen