What happens later at home?

The person is usually allowed to leave the same day surgery center on the day of the operation. He may experience some uncomfortable swelling of the scrotum for several weeks following the operation. The incision should be cleaned gently with soap and water. The bandages should also be changed as necessary.

What are the potential complications after the procedure?

There are complications with any surgery or anesthesia. These include bleeding, infection, and reactions to the anesthesia medications. The main complication for hydrocele repair is the formation of a hematoma, or blood clot. The risk of this is somewhat determined by the surgical technique used. It can also be brought on if the man is too active following the surgery. Another risk for the surgery is infertility, or the inability to impregnate a woman. The vas deferens and epididymis, structures that carry sperm from the testes, can be injured in the course of the operation. Men for whom fertility is important should discuss this risk with the surgeon before the operation.