Hello Doctor,
I'm writing to you regarding a health concern I've been experiencing. Last August, I was diagnosed with a hydrocele on my left testicle. Since then, I've had some lingering questions that have been weighing on my mind. Firstly, I've noticed that the collection of fluids seems to be more concentrated underneath my testicle, almost as if it's hanging down. Is this a common occurrence with hydroceles? Secondly, if I were to undergo surgery to address the hydrocele, is there a significant chance that it might return? And finally, I've been experiencing a burning sensation in my left lower abdomen and just above my left testicle. Could this possibly be related to the hydrocele? Any insights you can provide would be greatly appreciated.
Hello,
Thank you for reaching out to Dr. Galen. Please find the below response to your query.
To address your first question, yes, it is indeed common for a hydrocele to cause a buildup of fluid that results in the testicle appearing to hang lower. This happens because the fluid accumulates in the scrotum surrounding the testicle, giving it a smooth, fluid-filled balloon-like sensation.
Regarding your second inquiry about the likelihood of recurrence after surgery, while there is a risk associated with hydrocelectomy (surgery to remove a hydrocele), it's important to note that recurrence rates are generally low, typically under 10%. However, it's not unheard of for hydroceles to reform even after successful surgery, albeit less commonly.
As for the burning sensations you're experiencing in your lower abdomen and above your left testicle, it's unlikely that they are directly caused by the hydrocele itself. Hydroceles typically do not manifest with pain. However, the burning sensation could potentially be attributed to referred pain from the hydrocele or indicate some other underlying issue. I would strongly advise discussing these new symptoms with your urologist to determine their cause and the appropriate course of action.
In summary, while your hydrocele symptoms appear to be within the realm of normalcy, the onset of new abdominal pain warrants further investigation. It's crucial to address any sudden, severe testicular pain promptly. While recurrence post-surgery is possible, it's not a guarantee.
Thanks
