Hydrocele (Ligation of Patent Processus Vaginalis)
Your child has been admitted for an operation to treat his hydrocele. This page will give you information about the operation and what to expect when your child has been discharged.
On this page
What is a hydrocele?
A hydrocele is a collection of fluid around the testis, which has formed due to a persistent small channel connecting it to the abdominal cavity (technically called a patent processus vaginalis). Although this is not a harmful condition, it needs correcting to prevent increasing swelling.
The operation
Your child will have a general anaesthetic as well as local anaesthetic to reduce any discomfort after the operation. Your child will be asleep during the operation.
The hydrocele is treated by closing (or ligating) the channel described in the section above and draining the fluid collection (ligation of the patent processus vaginalis).
This is done through a small cut in the groin, which is then closed using dissolvable stitches, and a waterproof glue dressing is applied.
After the operation
Your child will stay in the theatre recovery area for a period of time. You will be able to join him there and then accompany him back to the ward. When he has recovered from the anaesthetic, he will be able to drink and eat. Once he is comfortable, he will be allowed home.