At Geelong Veins Skin & Laser specialist interventional radiologist Dr Amit Lakkaraju uses sclerotherapy injections under ultrasound guidance to treat hydroceles.
What is a Hydrocele?
A hydrocele is a collection of fluid in the scrotum. Hydroceles can be unsightly and painful.
How is a Hydrocele diagnosed?
Hydroceles are often diagnosed clinically. Hydroceles need to be differentiated from other swellings in the scrotum by a doctor. If necessary, an ultrasound can be performed to help differentiate a hydrocele from other swellings.
What is Sclerotherapy?
Sclerotherapy is a procedure used to dry up and stick down cysts and other fluid filled structures. It has been used successfully as a non-surgical treatment for hydroceles.
What happens on the day of the procedure?
After obtaining consent, local anaesthetic is applied to the site and nerve blocks are performed. Following this, the hydrocele is drained with a needle using ultrasound guidance. Once drained a small amount of the sclerosant is injected. A dressing is applied to the site. The patient is given instructions to wear tight underwear and refrain from heavy exercise or other heavy lifting activities. The procedure does not need general anaesthetic or sedation. There are no sutures or stitches in the region. This is an outpatient procedure.
Is it painful?
Like any invasive procedure, there is pain from the injection of local anaesthetic. Generally, once the local anaesthetic takes effect, the hydrocele sclerotherapy is painless. At about 1-2 weeks after the treatment, the scrotum may become mildly painful but this usually lasts for a few days and can be treated with painkillers such as paracetamol.
Is only one treatment required?
Not always. Dr Lakkaraju will see you in 4 to 6 weeks after the procedure and perform an ultrasound to see if any further treatment is required.
What is recovery like?
After the procedure, you will be asked to wear some tight underwear. Following this the scrotum may feel tender. Refrain from doing any strenuous exercise as this can produce pain and inflammation.
At about 1-2 weeks after the treatment, the scrotum may become painful but this usually lasts for a few days and can be treated with painkillers such as paracetamol. Dr Lakkaraju will see you 4 to 6 weeks after the procedure and perform an ultrasound to see if any further treatment is required.
Please contact Geelong Veins Skin and Laser to book an appointment with Dr Lakkaraju and his team to discuss treatment of hydroceles with sclerotherapy.
If you are suffering from pain and would like further advice or assessment please contact Geelong Veins Skin & Laser on 5229 6866.
Dr Amit Lakkaraju – FRANZCR, VEIN SPECIALIST, INTERVENTIONAL RADIOLOGIST