Hydrocele
In the first year of life, it is possible to wait, since spontaneous healing often occurs (by the 4th month of life at the latest, the processus vaginalis/funnel-shaped protrusion of the peritoneum into the scrotum usually obliterates (“closes”)).
In young patients or men whose family planning has not yet been completed, the indication for surgery should be made very cautiously and, if necessary, a sperm cryodepot (freezing of sperm cells) should be created preoperatively.
The surgical procedure
For hydrocele, Winkelmann hydrocele surgery (incision (“cutting”) of the hydrocele, the walls are wrapped around the testis and sutured on the other side) can be performed.
Possible complications
- Injury to the spermatic cord (funiculus spermaticus: vessels and ductus deferens/seminiferous duct) with subsequent impaired blood flow to the testis and/or infertility
- Injury to the epididymis with postoperative obstruction (occlusion) and infertility (infertility)
- Postoperative hematoma formation (bruising) and scrotal swelling (swelling of the scrotum).
- Postoperative pain
- Recurrence (recurrence) of a hydrocele
Spermatocele
A spermatocele does not generally require surgery. Only in case of pain or disturbing size, the spermatocele of an adult should be rehabilitated.
Surgical therapy is rarely necessary.
In young patients or men whose family planning has not yet been completed, the indication for surgery should be made very cautiously and, if necessary, a sperm cryodepot should be created preoperatively.
The surgical procedure
Scrotal testicular exposure and resection (surgical removal) of the spermatocele while leaving the epididymis in place.
Possible complications
- Injury to the epididymid duct (duct of the epididymis) and the vasculature of the epididymis with subsequent impaired blood flow to the epididymis, obstruction, and infertility
- Postoperative hematoma formation (bruise) and scrotal swelling (swelling of the scrotum).
- Postoperative formation of spermagranuloma (nodular, hard change in the spermatic cord caused by the leakage of sperm into the surrounding tissue).
- Postoperative pain, persistent (persistent) if necessary.
- Recurrence (reappearance) of a spermatocele
