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What is Hydrocelectomy?

A hydrocelectomy is a surgical procedure to remove a hydrocele, a fluid-filled sac surrounding the testicle that causes scrotal swelling. It is typically performed when the hydrocele causes discomfort, pain, or cosmetic concerns, or if it risks complications like infection. In India, hydrocelectomy is conducted in urology or general surgery departments, offering high-quality care at affordable costs. For patients and families in India, understanding the procedure, costs, recovery, risks, and frequently asked questions (FAQs) is essential for informed decision-making and optimal outcomes.

Why do you need Hydrocelectomy?

Hydrocelectomy is indicated for:

  • Symptomatic hydrocele: Persistent scrotal swelling causing pain, heaviness, or difficulty walking.
  • Large hydrocele: Cosmetic concerns or interference with daily activities.
  • Complicated hydrocele:
    • Infection (pyocele) or associated hernia (inguinal hernia often coexists in children).
    • Suspicion of underlying pathology (e.g., testicular tumor, ruled out by ultrasound).
  • Communicating hydrocele: In children, where a patent processus vaginalis allows peritoneal fluid to enter the scrotum.
  • Non-communicating hydrocele: In adults, often due to trauma, infection (e.g., epididymitis), or prior surgery.

The procedure aims to remove the hydrocele sac, prevent recurrence, and address any underlying issues (e.g., hernia). In India, hospitals like Apollo, Fortis, Medanta, and AIIMS specialize in hydrocelectomy, typically performed by urologists or general surgeons.

Why Do Hydrocelectomy Costs Vary in India?

Costs range from ₹30,000 to ₹1.5 lakh :

  • Procedure Type: Open hydrocelectomy (₹30,000–₹80,000), with hernia repair (₹50,000–₹1.2 lakh), laparoscopic (₹80,000–₹1.5 lakh).
  • Hospital/Location: Higher in metro cities (Apollo, Fortis); lower in government hospitals (AIIMS, ₹10,000–₹40,000).
  • Surgeon’s Expertise: Experienced urologists charge more.
  • Additional Costs: Ultrasound, hospital stay, antibiotics, scrotal support.
  • Insurance: Covered for symptomatic hydroceles; Ayushman Bharat offers subsidies.

Hydrocelectomy Procedure

The procedure varies based on the hydrocele type and patient age:

  1. Before Surgery Evaluation:
    • Diagnosis:
      • Physical exam: Scrotal swelling that transilluminates (light passes through, indicating fluid); non-tender unless infected.
      • Ultrasound confirms the diagnosis, rules out testicular tumor, and checks for hernia.
      • Blood tests assess fitness for surgery (e.g., hemoglobin, coagulation).
    • Blood thinners (e.g., aspirin) are stopped 5–7 days prior to reduce bleeding risk.
    • Patients fast for 6–8 hours before surgery; antibiotics (e.g., cefazolin) may be given prophylactically.
  2. Surgical Techniques:
    • Open Hydrocelectomy (Most Common):
      • Performed under general, spinal, or local anesthesia, lasting 30–60 minutes.
      • A 4–6 cm incision is made over the scrotum (transverse or midline).
      • The hydrocele sac is dissected from surrounding tissues, and the fluid is drained.
      • The sac is either excised (eversion technique) or inverted and sutured (plication technique, e.g., Jaboulay or Lord’s procedure) to prevent recurrence.
      • If a hernia is present (common in children), it is repaired simultaneously (herniorrhaphy).
      • The incision is closed with absorbable sutures; a drain may be placed for 1–2 days to prevent hematoma.
    • Aspiration and Sclerotherapy (Rare):
      • Non-surgical alternative for poor surgical candidates.
      • A needle aspirates the fluid, and a sclerosing agent (e.g., tetracycline) is injected to scar the sac and prevent fluid reaccumulation.
      • High recurrence rate (30–50%); not commonly recommended.
    • Laparoscopic Approach (Rare):
      • Used for communicating hydroceles in children with a patent processus vaginalis.
      • Small incisions allow closure of the defect at the internal inguinal ring.
  3. After Surgery:
    • Patients are monitored for a few hours (outpatient) or 1–2 days (if drain placed or complications).
    • Pain is managed with analgesics (e.g., paracetamol, ibuprofen).
    • A scrotal support or tight underwear is worn for 1–2 weeks to reduce swelling.
    • Antibiotics are rarely needed unless infection was present.

Recovery After Hydrocelectomy

  1. Hospital Stay: Outpatient or 1–2 days.
  2. Post-Surgery Care:
    • Pain for 3–7 days, managed with analgesics; scrotal swelling may persist for 1–2 weeks.
    • Ice packs (first 24–48 hours) and scrotal support reduce swelling.
    • Incision care: Keep the area dry for 48 hours; avoid soaking (e.g., baths) for 1 week.
    • Activity: Light walking on day 1; avoid strenuous activities (e.g., sports, heavy lifting) for 2–4 weeks.
  3. Diet:
    • Normal diet; high-fiber foods (e.g., fruits, vegetables) and 2–3 liters water daily prevent constipation and straining.
  4. Follow-Up:
    • Visit at 1–2 weeks to check the incision and swelling.
    • Ultrasound (if needed) at 4–6 weeks ensures no recurrence or complications.

Most resume normal activities in 2–4 weeks. Success rates are 95–98%; recurrence risk is 1–5%.

Risks and Complications

  • Surgical Risks: Bleeding (1–3%), infection (1–3%), hematoma (2–5%).
  • Post-Surgical Complications:
    • Recurrence (1–5%), often due to incomplete sac removal.
    • Scrotal edema (5–10%), resolves in 2–4 weeks.
    • Testicular injury (rare, <1%), risking atrophy or infertility.
  • General Risks: Anesthesia reactions, blood clots (DVT, <1%).
  • Long-Term: Chronic pain (1–3%), altered sensation in the scrotum.

Report fever, severe pain, or significant swelling promptly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What causes a hydrocele?

Fluid imbalance around the testicle, often from trauma, infection (e.g., epididymitis), hernia, or a patent processus vaginalis (in children).

Can a hydrocele heal without surgery?

Small, asymptomatic hydroceles may resolve in infants (<1 year); in adults, surgery is usually needed if symptomatic.

Is hydrocelectomy painful?

Mild pain for 3–7 days, managed with analgesics; discomfort from swelling improves in 1–2 weeks.

How soon can I resume activities?

Light activities in 1–2 days, normal routines in 2–4 weeks.

Is hydrocelectomy covered by insurance in India?

Yes, for symptomatic hydroceles; confirm with your provider.

Signs of complications?

Fever, severe pain, significant swelling, or redness.

Can a hydrocele recur?

Yes, 1–5% risk, often if the sac isn’t fully removed or if a hernia is missed.

Lifestyle changes post-surgery?

Wear scrotal support for 1–2 weeks, avoid heavy lifting for 2–4 weeks, maintain hygiene, regular follow-ups.

Conclusion

Hydrocelectomy is a safe, effective procedure to treat hydroceles, with high success rates and minimal recovery time. India’s top hospitals (Apollo, Fortis, AIIMS) offer affordable, expert care. Understanding the procedure, costs, recovery, risks, and FAQs helps patients approach hydrocelectomy confidently. Consult a urologist or general surgeon for personalized guidance and successful treatment.

Looking for Best Hospitals for Hydrocelectomy

Note: we are not promoting any hospitals

we are not promoting any hospitals we sourced all the details from google and hospitals website, please verify and start with your surgery here we go the list includes government, budget and superspeciality hospitals accreditation bodies are the National Accreditation Board for Hospitals and Healthcare Providers (NABH) and the Joint Commission International (JCI)

  • click on your city and schedule your surgery now done in good hands.
City Minimum Price (₹) Maximum Price (₹)
Agra
40,000
1,00,000
Ahmedabad
50,000
1,20,000
Ajmer
40,000
1,00,000
Aligarh
40,000
1,00,000
Allahabad
40,000
1,00,000
Amritsar
45,000
1,10,000
Aurangabad
45,000
1,10,000
Bangalore
50,000
1,20,000
Bareilly
40,000
1,00,000
Belgaum
45,000
1,10,000
Bhopal
45,000
1,10,000
Bhubaneswar
45,000
1,10,000
Bikaner
40,000
1,00,000
Chandigarh
50,000
1,20,000
Chennai
50,000
1,20,000
Coimbatore
50,000
1,20,000
Dehradun
45,000
1,10,000
Delhi
50,000
1,20,000
Dhanbad
40,000
1,00,000
Durgapur
40,000
1,00,000
Faridabad
50,000
1,20,000
Ghaziabad
50,000
1,20,000
Gorakhpur
40,000
1,00,000
Guntur
45,000
1,10,000
Gurgaon
50,000
1,20,000
Guwahati
45,000
1,10,000
Gwalior
40,000
1,00,000
Hyderabad
50,000
1,20,000
Indore
45,000
1,10,000
Jabalpur
40,000
1,00,000
Jaipur
50,000
1,20,000
Jalandhar
45,000
1,10,000
Jamshedpur
45,000
1,10,000
Jodhpur
40,000
1,00,000
Kanpur
40,000
1,00,000
Kochi
50,000
1,20,000
Kolkata
50,000
1,20,000
Kollam
45,000
1,10,000
Lucknow
45,000
1,10,000
Ludhiana
50,000
1,20,000
Madurai
45,000
1,10,000
Mangalore
45,000
1,10,000
Meerut
40,000
1,00,000
Moradabad
40,000
1,00,000
Mumbai
50,000
1,20,000
Mysore
50,000
1,20,000
Nagpur
45,000
1,10,000
Nashik
45,000
1,10,000
Navi Mumbai
50,000
1,20,000
Noida
50,000
1,20,000
Patna
40,000
1,00,000
Pune
50,000
1,20,000
Raipur
45,000
1,10,000
Rajkot
45,000
1,10,000
Ranchi
40,000
1,00,000
Surat
50,000
1,20,000
Thane
50,000
1,20,000
Vadodara
45,000
1,10,000
Varanasi
40,000
1,00,000
Visakhapatnam
45,000
1,10,000

Disclaimer

This information is sourced from open platforms and is for general awareness only. Costs may vary based on individual cases. Please consult a qualified doctor for medical advice and explore options within your budget before deciding on the procedure.

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