Hydrocele of the testicle – it needs to be treated quickly and effectively

Diseases of the genital organs, in addition to the symptoms of the specific disease, can affect the patient\’s psychological comfort. Prompt diagnosis and implementation of specialized treatment also lead to an improvement in well-being. At Wilmed Clinic, we understand men\’s health issues. In our view, diseases affecting men\’s intimate organs should be subjected to rapid therapeutic intervention to prevent complications and unnecessary stress, which impacts overall well-being.

Hydrocele of the testicle is a fairly common condition observed by our team. In our facility, we treat it surgically, maintaining the highest standards and providing our patients with a sense of privacy and support.

In this article, we will explain the issue of testicular hydrocele.

A few words about testicular hydrocele

Testicular hydrocele can occur at any age: in infancy, childhood, and adulthood. It can be congenital, diagnosed immediately after the child’s birth, or acquired, appearing in adults and adolescents.

In adult patients, testicular hydrocele manifests as an enlargement of the scrotum. This enlargement results from excessive accumulation of fluid between the peritoneal membrane and the parietal layer of the testicular sheath. A feeling of heaviness in the scrotum is another symptom. Some patients also experience difficulty walking and occasional pain.

Usually, the condition affects one side, but it can occur bilaterally, although this is quite rare.

The cause of this phenomenon may be increased fluid secretion or improper absorption by the testicular sheath, acute or chronic inflammation of the testicles and epididymis, testicular tumor, testicular injuries, complications after surgical treatment of varicocele, or inguinal hernia.

Testicular hydrocele can lead to impaired blood flow to the testicle and epididymis, causing decreased semen quality and testicular atrophy.

Diagnosis of testicular hydrocele

Currently, testicular diagnosis is based on a detailed ultrasound examination. This is a non-invasive and painless procedure. Any man who notices concerning symptoms such as scrotal enlargement should consult a urologist. The doctor will conduct an interview, palpation examination, and ultrasound of the testicles and epididymis to determine the disease state and differentiate it from other conditions with similar symptoms to testicular hydrocele.

Testicular self-examination – a preventive measure every man should remember

Just as women are encouraged to perform breast self-examinations, men should also examine their testicles at least once a month. A healthy testicle is soft and smooth. Abnormal testicles are hard and rough. On the posterior wall, hard thickening connected to the testicle can be felt, which are the epididymis and vas deferens. When examining the testicles, remember that the right testicle is always slightly larger than the left, and the palpable thickening at the upper part of the testicle is the epididymis. Sometimes it may be painful when pressed.

Testicles are best examined after a bath or warm shower when the skin of the scrotal sac is relaxed. Do not examine the testicles or penis before or immediately after sexual intercourse. In an aroused state, the genital organs are engorged, which may cause you to miss something or misinterpret findings. Each testicle should be examined separately.

Start by visually inspecting the testicles for changes in size, color, and texture. Then gently roll the testicle between your thumb and index finger, feeling under the skin for any lumps or nodules. When examining the testicle, pay attention to any changes in appearance, enlargement, or if the skin is too tight or rough. Changes in testicle size, tenderness to slight touch, or daily discomfort in the groin should raise concern. You may also notice various skin symptoms such as redness, sores, ulcers, or pustules, which should be consulted with a dermatologist. If you notice anything concerning during self-examination, schedule a visit with a urologist.

Treatment of testicular hydrocele

After ultrasound diagnosis and establishing the diagnosis, the doctor will propose appropriate therapy. In the case of testicular hydrocele, this is a relatively low-invasive surgical procedure. The earlier it is performed, the lower the risk of disease progression and complications.

What does the testicular hydrocele removal procedure involve?

The procedure to remove a testicular hydrocele involves surgically removing the testicular sheaths between which the fluid causing the scrotal enlargement, i.e., the hydrocele, is located. The operation is usually performed under local anesthesia with intravenous sedation. Before the procedure, the patient receives medication that relaxes (reduces nervous tension) and induces sleep. The operation lasts about 1 to 2 hours. After surgery, the patient remains in the clinic under individual nursing care for about 8 hours, then can go home independently. The patient attends follow-up visits after the operation.

Recovery after the procedure takes several days, after which the patient returns to full fitness. For several weeks after the procedure, a sparing lifestyle should be maintained. The patient should avoid tight underwear and limit excessive physical exertion. Swelling usually appears after surgery, which is normal and subsides spontaneously within about 1 to 2 weeks, and pain may also occur. In case of severe pain, purulent discharge from the wound, bleeding, redness at the surgical site, or fever, it is necessary to consult a doctor. It is essential to strictly follow the doctor\’s recommendations.

Testicular hydrocele surgery carries a minimal risk of certain complications. However, it should be kept in mind that such complications may occur. They largely depend on the disease\’s advancement. The most common include the possibility of orchitis, scrotal hematoma, very rarely the risk of hydrocele recurrence or bleeding.

Consequences of untreated testicular hydrocele

Untreated testicular hydrocele in adults tends to enlarge, and as it grows, it may cause pain due to pressure on the testicle, which intensifies during walking, sports, or daily physical activity. Larger hydroceles cause pressure on the testicle, which can lead to infertility by increasing the temperature in the scrotum. Hydrocele may also be a symptom of other diseases such as testicular tumor, inflammation of the testicle or epididymis. Therefore, rapid differential diagnosis and prompt treatment are very important.