Patient Advice Following a Hydrocele Repair

You have just had an operation to repair a hydrocele (fluid sac around the testicle).

Wound

A small cut is made in the scrotum and the fluid drained from the testicle. The sac around the testicle and the scrotum is closed using stitches which do not need to be removed. The stitches can take 10-21 days to dissolve.

It is important to keep the wound clean and dry for the first ……………….. hours to allow the wound time to heal. If a dressing is in place, you can remove it after this time. You can then shower as normal but avoid soaking the wound for long periods.

It is advisable to wear supportive underpants and not boxer shorts. The surgeon may also provide you with a scrotal support which is fitted during the procedure. The support will help to reduce the amount of swelling that will occur. This can be worn until the swelling and discomfort has settled.

Pain

Local anaesthetic may be used to numb the area. This will wear off within four to eight hours. Following this you may experience some discomfort. You should take some pain relief as necessary. Always follow the instructions on the packet and do not exceed the recommended daily dose.

Activity

It is normal to feel tired following sedation or a general anaesthetic. Take it easy for the first 24 hours. Please refrain from lifting anything heavy for ………………. days.

Your own circumstances will determine when you return to work. You can self-certificate for one week, contact your GP for a certificate if further time off is required.

You must not drive for 24 hours following sedation or a general anaesthetic. This is a requirement of the Road Traffic Act.

Contact numbers

We hope that you have found this information useful. If you have any questions or are worried about anything, please speak to:

Your GP or out of hours GP
NHS Direct: 111
Dorchester Day Surgery Unit 01305 254501: (day of surgery only)
Lulworth Ward 01305 255471 (after 7pm)
Abbotsbury Ward 01305 255150 (after 7pm)
Urology nurse specialist 01305 255415

Consultant Urological Surgeons
Mr N Afzal 01305 255468
Mr R David 01305 255274
Miss F New 01305 255470
Mr R Blegay 01305 255468
Mr M Bajwa 01305 255274
Mr Q Choudry 01305 255274

About this leaflet

Author: Laura Gower, Staff Nurse
Written: April 2013
Updated and approved: July 2025
Review date: July 2028
Edition: v2

If you have feedback regarding the accuracy of the information contained in this leaflet, or if you would like a list of references used to develop this leaflet, please email patientinformation.leaflets@dchft.nhs.uk