Procedure prep
Fasting Before Hydrocele Surgery
Hydrocele surgery (hydrocelectomy) is a short day-case operation to drain the fluid around the testicle and stop it building up again. Most people go home the same day, and a little preparation tonight makes tomorrow much smoother.
Fasting for this procedure
→ Get your exact fasting times with the calculator
Medicines to check
- Blood thinners (aspirin, clopidogrel, warfarin, Eliquis, Xarelto) — these raise bruising and scrotal hematoma risk, so see medications to stop and confirm timing with your team.
- Anti-inflammatory painkillers (ibuprofen, naproxen and other NSAIDs) — these can increase bleeding, so check before taking any in the days before surgery.
- Diabetes medicines & insulin — they need a plan. See diabetes tablets.
- Blood pressure medicines — confirm which to take with a small sip of water on the morning of surgery.
- Herbal supplements and fish oil (also vitamin E, garlic, ginkgo) — these can thin the blood, so ask whether to pause them.
When this surgery may be delayed
- Fever, a new cough or cold, or a chest infection
- Vomiting or diarrhea in the day or two before
- A skin infection, rash, or open sore on or near the scrotum or groin
- Not having followed the fasting instructions
- Taking a blood thinner that was supposed to be paused
Reports & documents to carry
- Photo ID and your insurance or hospital paperwork
- A current list of all your medicines, doses, and allergies
- Any recent scrotal ultrasound scans or related test results
- Loose, supportive underwear or a scrotal support to wear home
- A responsible adult to drive you home and stay with you after sedation or anesthesia
What to ask your anesthesia team
- Will I have general or spinal anesthesia, and how does that change my fasting?
- Which of my regular medicines should I stop, and which do I take with a sip of water?
- When can I eat and drink normally after I wake up?
- Am I going home the same day, and do I definitely need someone to drive me?
- Should I bring scrotal support and ice, and how do I use them at home?
Your prep checklist
Tick things off as you sort them — saved on this device only, nothing is sent anywhere.
A general guide — your hospital's own instructions always come first.
Frequently asked questions
How long does hydrocele surgery take and will I stay overnight?
The operation itself is usually quite short, and it is almost always a day-case procedure, so you go home the same day once you have recovered from the anesthesia. You may spend a few hours in recovery before discharge. Your team will confirm your expected timings based on your health and the type of anesthesia used.
Why do I need supportive underwear and ice afterward?
Gentle scrotal support keeps the area comfortable, reduces swelling, and takes pressure off the stitches as you heal. An ice pack (wrapped in a cloth, used on and off) helps with swelling and bruising in the first day or two. Follow the specific instructions your team gives you on how long and how often to use them.
Some swelling and bruising is normal, but when should I worry?
A swollen, bruised, and tender scrotum is expected for a little while after this surgery. Contact your team promptly if you have rapidly increasing swelling, a hard tense lump, heavy bleeding, fever, spreading redness, or pus, as these can signal a hematoma or infection. When in doubt, call the number on your discharge paperwork.
Can I drive myself home after the operation?
No. Because you will have had sedation, spinal, or general anesthesia, you must arrange a responsible adult to drive you home and ideally stay with you for the first night. Your judgment and reflexes can be affected for the rest of the day even if you feel fine. Your team will tell you when it is safe to drive again.