The scrotum filled with fluid will feel like a water balloon and you may be experiencing pain and discomfort. Small hydroceles may not need treatment; however, larger hydroceles should be surgically removed to ensure they do not return.

Surgery will reduce the pain and discomfort as hydroceles make the scrotum sensitive and larger. 

The hydrocele may be removed using a needle and syringe; however, surgery is the most effective way of ensuring that it does not return.

Before your treatment, you will have a consultation with one of our healthcare professionals where you can discuss your medical history. Here, you will be given the opportunity to ask any questions that may be concerning you.

You may be required to have further tests, if this is the case, we will discuss this with you beforehand. 

We understand that surgery can be daunting, but don’t worry, our specialised medical staff will be there to answer any questions or worries that you may have. 

Hydrocele repair is usually done under a general anaesthetic or a spinal anaesthetic, so you will be asleep and won’t feel any pain. Your anaesthetist will also discuss pain relief after the procedure with you.

The prostate gland is situated around a waterpipe as it leaves the bladder. When the prostate gland enlarges, it blocks the flow of urine causing discomfort.

This procedure involves removing the central part of the prostate gland using a laser. This creates a larger channel allowing the urine to flow more easily.

The surgeon will put a telescope into the bladder which is inserted through the urethra which uses a laser fibre to remove the prostate tissue.

The waste product of the prostate is then flushed into the bladder and morcellated using specialised medical instruments. These fragments are then sent for pathology analysis.

At the end of the operation, a temporary bladder catheter may be inserted – this will be worn for 24-72 hours after the operation to wash out any blood clots.

You may initially find passing urine painful and it may be more frequent. Medication can be used to help this.

While your pelvic floor muscles recover from surgery, you may find that your control is not as good.

Some patients find that their urine contains blood after the catheter removal, if this is the case notify your consultant and we will insert another catheter for 48 hours.

As with any surgery, there are risks involved. For hydrocele repair, these include:

•    Retrograde ejaculation is experienced by 90% of patients
•    Permanent loss of urinary control is rare but possible
•    Between 1 in 50 and 1 in 250 patients experience bleeding requiring a blood transfusion or another operation
•    Injury to the urethra creating more narrowing.