Hydrocele Repair Surgery

A hydrocele is a collection of fluid around a testicle that causes swelling in the scrotum. Although often painless, a larger hydrocele can cause heaviness, discomfort, or difficulty with everyday activities. Hydrocele repair, also called hydrocelectomy, drains the fluid and repairs or removes the surrounding sac to help prevent it from filling again.

Surgical Solutions Network offers private hydrocele repair at Clearpoint Surgical Toronto in Toronto, Ontario, and Still Creek Surgical Centre in Burnaby, British Columbia, in the Metro Vancouver area. During your consultation, a urologist will assess your symptoms, confirm the cause of the swelling, and help you understand the right treatment approach for your needs.

Why Choose Surgical Solutions Network

Scrotal swelling can affect your comfort and make everyday activities more difficult. Our team provides patient-centred care, with clear explanations of your condition, the recommended surgical approach, and the recovery required after your procedure.

At Surgical Solutions Network, you can access care in a modern surgical facility with dedicated pre-operative and recovery areas. Our surgical team and healthcare professionals help you prepare for your procedure, understand your follow-up plan, and make informed decisions about your care, with treatment provided here in Canada.

Who We Help

We welcome patients from across Canada. Our intake team will confirm your eligibility for surgery and explain which records, imaging, and assessments are needed for your surgical consultation. Patients travelling for surgery will receive guidance on planning for their procedure and recovery.

Common Concerns Assessed

Your urologist may assess you for hydrocele repair if you have:

• Persistent or increasing scrotal swelling
• Heaviness or a dragging sensation around the affected testicle
• Discomfort with walking, sitting, exercise, or clothing
• A hydrocele that interferes with daily activities or causes ongoing concern

When Is Hydrocele Repair Recommended?

Small hydroceles that cause no significant symptoms may be monitored without surgery. Repair may be considered when swelling persists, increases in size, causes discomfort, or affects your quality of life. Your urologist will discuss whether surgery or continued observation is appropriate for you.

Your consultation will include a review of your symptoms, medical history, previous treatment, and examination findings. If there is concern about an infection, hernia, or another cause of swelling, further assessment or treatment may be needed before surgery.

Simply draining a hydrocele with a needle usually provides only temporary relief because the fluid can return quickly. Hydrocelectomy treats the sac itself to reduce the chance of fluid collecting again.

How Is Hydrocele Repair Performed?

Hydrocele repair is commonly performed under general anaesthetic, although spinal anaesthetic may be an option depending on your care plan. The surgeon makes an incision, usually in the scrotum, drains the fluid, and repairs, folds, or removes part of the hydrocele sac. The incision is then closed, commonly with dissolvable stitches.

The approach depends on the size and type of hydrocele and whether one or both sides are affected. A temporary drain may be used in some cases. Hydrocele repair is usually a day procedure, allowing you to return home once you have recovered sufficiently from the anaesthetic. Your surgeon will explain the planned approach and discharge arrangements.

Potential Benefits of Hydrocele Repair

Depending on the size of the hydrocele and your symptoms, potential benefits include:

• Reduced swelling caused by fluid around the testicle
• Relief from heaviness or discomfort
• Improved comfort during daily activities and when wearing clothing
• A more lasting treatment than drainage alone

Recovery After Hydrocele Repair

Bruising, swelling, and tenderness are common during early recovery and may take several weeks to settle. Your team will provide instructions on pain relief, incision care, and supportive underwear to help keep you comfortable while the area heals.

Many patients take around a week away from desk-based work, while physically demanding work may require longer. Heavy lifting and strenuous exercise are commonly restricted for two to four weeks. Your surgeon will advise when you can resume exercise, sexual activity, and driving based on your procedure and recovery.

Take the Next Step

If persistent scrotal swelling or discomfort is affecting your daily life, our team can help you understand your treatment options. Contact Surgical Solutions Network to request a consultation and learn whether private hydrocele repair may be right for you.