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Hydrocele Surgery & Hernia Repair

Hydroceles and inguinal hernias are common surgical problems that can occur at any age.

The scrotum is the pouch of skin surrounding your testicles. An inguinal hernia occurs when a small part of your intestine enters the scrotum. There are two types of inguinal hernias. An indirect inguinal hernia occurs during birth and is more common in premature infants. A direct inguinal hernia occurs in older adult males.

The scrotum also has a thin sac surrounding the testicles that can be filled with fluid. When this happens, it is called a hydrocele. Hydrocele is common in newborns and usually disappears without treatment by the age of one. Older boys and adult men can develop a hydrocele due to inflammation or injury within the scrotum.

Inguinal Hernia & Hydrocele Symptoms

Hernias do not usually cause any pain but can be seen or felt. Pain occurs when the intestine enters the scrotum and causes pressure and swelling.

Hydroceles are usually painless. When found in infants, they may go away by themselves. However, older males may experience pain as the scrotum enlarges.

Inguinal Hernia & Hydrocele Diagnosis

A physical exam along with ultrasound is performed. During the physical exam, the urologist may apply some pressure to your abdominal region and scrotum to check for tenderness and the presence of a hernia. If a bulge is present, you may be asked to cough, and your doctor will observe its movements.

An ultrasound or x-ray can also help your doctor determine the cause of the scrotum swelling and confirm a hernia.

Blood and urine tests may also be done to look for signs of any infection that can be present.

Your doctor may also shine a light through the scrotum to check for the presence of any fluid. If there is a hydrocele, fluid can be seen surrounding the testicles.

Inguinal Hernia & Hydrocele Treatment Options

Hydrocele surgery and hernia repair procedures are common surgical procedures performed at Colin Teo Urology.

Hydrocele

Surgery is usually performed when a hydrocele enlarges or causes discomfort. Different surgical procedures are performed depending on the nature of the cause of the hydrocele.

  • A “non-communicating” hydrocele occurs when it is not caused by an inguinal hernia. In this case, surgery is done on the scrotum, and the hydrocele is removed directly by your doctor.
  • A “communicating” hydrocele occurs when it is caused by an inguinal hernia. Surgery is done to both fix the hernia and the hydrocele.

Inguinal Hernia

Inguinal hernias are treated by surgical procedures. During the surgery, an incision is made in the groin, the hernia is pushed back into the abdomen, and the abdominal wall is strengthened with mesh and stitches. A robotic surgery using laparoscope, an instrument with a tiny camera at the end, projecting the inside of the abdomen onto screens, may be performed. This method allows smaller cuts to be made, resulting in a faster recovery time.

Why should you choose Dr Colin Teo to perform your Hydrocele Surgery & Hernia Repair?

Dr Colin Teo is the Founding Head of Khoo Teck Puat Hospital’s Urology Department, with years of experience in minimally invasive keyhole surgery, operating with precision surgical techniques. Many fellows have trained under his mentorship. He did a Fellowship in EndoLaparoscopy and Andrology at St James’ Hospital in Leeds, UK and was sponsored for a Senior Healthcare Medical Development Program (HMDP) in Advanced Laparoscopic and Robotic Surgery at University of Southern California (USC) Keck Hospital in Los Angeles, USA.

He performs Laparoscopic Hernia Repair as day surgery and provides attentive and personal peri-operative care with his dedicated clinical team to ensure an optimal recovery outcome for his patients.

If you have enquiries about Hydrocele Surgery and Hernia Repair or would like to find out more about the diagnosis procedures, drop us a note. We will be happy to offer our professional advice. Contact us to book a consultation with Colin Teo Urology today.