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A hydrocele is a swelling around the testicle caused by a collection of fluid. Hydrocele repair can easily treat this.
A hydrocele is a swelling around the testicle caused by a collection of fluid. It is a common problem in children. 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.
Your child should no longer have the hydrocele. Surgery should prevent your child from having discomfort or embarrassment caused by the hydrocele getting larger as he gets older.
The operation is performed under a general anaesthetic and usually takes about an hour. Your surgeon will make a cut on the groin. Your surgeon will find the connection, which is stuck on to the blood vessels that supply the testicle and on to the vas, the tube that will carry sperm away from the testicle. Your surgeon will peel the connection away from these tubes before tying it off.
Like all surgical procedures, there are some levels of risks to consider. Some of these can be serious and can even cause death. However, you can speak to your doctor about the following general and specific complications that may worry you.
A hydrocele is a common condition where fluid collects around a testicle. Surgery is usually recommended if a hydrocele continues beyond the second year of life. If left untreated, a hydrocele can get larger and is unlikely to get better. To find out more, call us on 0808 101 0337.
Authors: Mr Shailinder Singh DM FRCS (Paed. Surg.), Mr Jonathan Sutcliffe FRCS
Illustrator: Medical Illustration Copyright © Medical-Artist.com
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