Hydrocele Hernia: Treatment, Procedure, Cost and Side Effects

A hydrocele is defined as a condition in which collection of fluid occurs within the peritoneum or processus vaginalis and this leads to swelling within the inguinal region or scrotum. On the other hand, an inguinal hernia is said to occur by the protrusion of the abdominal organs into the inguinal canal or scrotum. The etiology and pathophysiology in case of inguinal hernia and hydrocele are more or less similar and they may coexist in most cases. Hydroceles and inguinal hernias are common surgical problems and they occur at any age. Both hydroceles and inguinal hernias can become a problem for males. Although females do not get hydroceles, they can be affected by hernias. A recent research has shown that one female out of ten males have the chances of getting hernias. This problem usually occurs among infants and can be detected just after birth.

Hydrocele or hernia is not painful generally but in some cases this condition may cause pain. The symptoms of this condition involve the presence of a small bulge in the groin or scrotum. In case of communicating hydrocele or hernia, the size of the bulge changes when the baby cries or if older, when the child walks. The size of the bulge usually remains small during sleep or when the baby is quite. The child is not at risk as long as the stomach contents can be pushed back into the abdomen. In some cases hydrocele or hernia can lead to serious symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhoea, fever, a bluish black appearance of the groin or scrotum, blockage of the bowel and others.

The treatment for hydrocele or hernia begins with initial diagnosis which is followed by surgical corrections such as aspiration and hydrocelectomy. After the surgical treatment is completed, pain-reducing medications are prescribed for about a week in order to heal the condition.

The treatment for hydrocele or hernia begins with initial diagnosis which is followed by surgical treatments such as aspiration and hydrocelectomy.

In case of aspiration, a needle is generally used to drain out the fluid. Although this method of treatment is not the most common for cases of hydroceles, it can be used when surgical methods of treatment become too risky. In a few cases, medication is injected after the procedure to close the sac and help prevent hydroceles from recurring. In some cases, medication is injected afterward the procedure to close the sac and help prevent hydroceles from recurring.

Hydrocelectomy, on the other hand, is a minor surgical method in which the fluid and sac are removed. It is performed on an outpatient basis, takes about an hour, and the patient usually goes home the same day. After the patient is given general or spinal anesthesia, a small cut is made in the scrotum or lower abdomen. The doctor drains the fluid, removes the sac and then uses stitches to keep the muscle wall strong as it heals and help prevent hernia or another hydrocele.

After the completion of surgery, a few patients may experience some pain or discomfort. Pain-reducing medications may be prescribed, usually for a period of week. Applying an ice pack to the affected area is also found to be helpful. In some cases, a scrotal drainage tube, scrotal support, and/or heavy bandages may be necessary for a period of time after surgery.

Sponge baths instead of tub baths are usually recommended for children, during the healing process. Straddle toys, playing sports, and participating in gym classes should be avoided for about three weeks.

Infants who are at least 12 to 18 months old and are diagnosed as having the problem of hydrocele or hernia are eligible for undergoing the surgical treatment under the supervision of an experienced doctor.

Individuals, who do not have any symptoms of hydrocele or hernia and are successfully diagnosed as not having this condition, do not require any treatment for hydrocele or hernia. Moreover, infants diagnosed as having this condition but are of less than 12 months in age, are also not eligible for the surgical treatment of hydrocele or hernia.

The surgical treatments for hydrocele and hernia, which includes hydrocelectomy or aspiration, are found to be more or less safe. However, a few side effects of this treatment include pain or discomfort, blood clots, infection, postoperative scrotal edema, fibrosis (or abnormal hardening of tissue), injury to the scrotal area and even infertility. In very few cases, the problem of hydrocele may reoccur even after successful treatment.

Surgical treatment for hydrocele or hernia is deemed to be the most effective method of treatment. The post treatment guidelines for this condition include taking rest, taking the pain-reducing medications prescribed by the doctor regularly on time usually for a period of one week after the surgery, applying ice pack to the affected area, taking sponge baths instead of tub baths during the healing process, avoiding physical activities that can lead to further injury at least for a period of three weeks after the surgery. In some cases, the doctor may recommend for a scrotal drainage tube, scrotal support and/or heavy bandages if necessary for a certain period of time after surgery. The patient should immediately consult the doctor in case he/she suffers from any side effects from the treatment.

Once the treatment for hydrocele or hernia is successfully completed, it takes about three weeks for the patient to completely recover. During this time the patient should take rest and avoid all physical activities that may cause injury to the affected area. The patient should immediately consult his/her doctor in case of any side effects.

The price of treatment for hydrocele or hernia varies in different parts of India. Usually the price of consulting a doctor regarding such a problem ranges from Rs. 200 to Rs. 1200. The costs of surgical treatments are additional. However, the price for treatment is found to be slightly higher in the metropolitan cities in comparison to the treatment available in other small towns and cities of India.

The treatment for hydrocele or hernia is found to be successful and permanent in most cases. However, a few cases of reoccurrence of the problem have also been reported, though rare.

Surgical method is the best treatment for problems related to hydrocele or hernia. However, a few alternative remedies for the problem of hydrocele or hernia are also known. Homeopathic medicines and some traditional ayurvedic medicines have been found to be useful in dealing with such problems. A few natural products such as caster oil, amla fruit, fresh vegetables and other fresh fruits have proved to be beneficial in treating such problems as well.