Dr. Dana Alexandra Weiss, MD

Hydroceles are typically painless, and surgical repair or removal, called hydrocelectomy, is only necessary if they continue to grow. In a hydrocelectomy, the surgeon makes an incision in or near the scrotum and uses suction to drain the fluid. The sac that contained the fluid may be cut and removed as well, or it may be stitched onto the back of the testis and epididymis, before the incision is closed.

This procedure may be done at an outpatient facility, so a hospital stay is usually not required. Normal activities can be resumed a few days following surgery, but exercise and other strenuous activities should be avoided for about two to four weeks.

During the procedure, the surgeon inserts the laparoscope, which contains a light and camera that allows the surgeon to see what is happening inside the body. Then tiny tools are placed through the small openings and used to perform the surgery.

The most common laparoscopic surgery is gallbladder removal, but laparoscopic surgery may also be used for the removal of a kidney or appendix, to treat certain cysts and tumors, for bariatric surgery, for some GERD treatments, or for hernia repairs, among others.

Because laparoscopic surgery only uses a few tiny incisions, the scars are minimal and recovery is easier than with open surgery.

There are many benefits to robotic surgery, both for the patient and the surgeon. Robotic surgery allows for more precise movements and increased control during very delicate surgical procedures. This makes performing surgery accurately much easier for surgeons and reduces fatigue. The smaller 'hand' of the robot can enter the body via a much smaller opening, which reduces the risk of infection and scarring and leads to a faster recovery. The robotic hands also contain tiny moveable cameras among their tools, giving surgeons a much closer view of the procedure than would be possible with traditional surgery.