Thyer Urology

Pre operation

Ten days prior to the procedure you should notify Mr Thyer’s rooms if you are taking any blood thinning medication

The procedure

On arrival at hospital you will be prepared for theatre by nursing staff. Mr Thyer will see you just prior to being taken into the operating theatre. You will have a short general anaesthetic. The procedure should take approximately 30 minutes. Mr Thyer will make a small incision in the scrotum, the tunica vaginalis will be delivered from the scrotum, incised, drained and sutured behind the testis to prevent re-accumulation of fluid. The wound in the scrotum will be closed with dissolving sutures and a drain will usually be left in the scrotum. After the operation you will be checked by the nurse and discharged home after a few hours.

Risks

• Bleeding. Bleeding from the operation site is very rare. Very rarely a readmission to hospital may be required to control bleeding.
• Infection. Wound infection is rare but may require a course of oral antibiotics to correct. Most men are sent home with a drain and oral antibiotics are required until the drain is removed.
• Injury to blood vessels to the testis. A recognised but very rare complication of hydrocoele repair. This can result in reduced blood supply to the testis.
• Recurrence of the hydrocoele happens in 10% and may require re-excision in future if bothersome.
• Chronic testicular pain. 2% of men develop a chronic scrotum pain syndrome after scrotal surgery.
• Orchidectomy. Very rarely, in cases of a very complex recurrent hydrocele, the complete removal of the testis may be required to resolve the issue. This would be discussed with you prior to proceeding.
• There are risks with any general anaesthetic which are very rare including blood clots, heart or lung problems and adverse drug reactions. The anaesthetist will discuss these with you at the time of the procedure.

Follow up

Mr Thyer’s rooms will contact you to arrange a follow up appointment 6 weeks after the procedure to check your recovery. You should rest, avoid heavy lifting, exertion and sexual intercourse for 1 week following the procedure.

When to contact Mr Thyer

Following the procedure, you should contact Mr Thyer if you:

• Have a fever over 38 Degrees
• Develop significant and worsening scrotal swelling
• Have not received a follow up appointment
• You can contact Mr Thyer via his rooms during working hours or after hours via the after hours nurse at Hollywood Hospital on (08) 9346 6000
• You can attend the emergency department at the hospital at which you had your procedure. (Hollywood Private Emergency Department charge a fee for attendance).