Conventional Varicocelectomy in Singapore

Apply ice packs to the surgical area for 20 minutes every 2-3 hours while awake to reduce swelling and discomfort. Keep the incision dry and covered with the provided dressing. Take prescribed pain medication as directed, typically paracetamol with stronger medicines if needed. Wearing supportive underwear or a scrotal support may help reduce discomfort from swelling.

Limit activities to gentle walking around the house and avoid stairs when possible. Rest with your legs elevated when lying down. Watch for signs of infection, including fever, increasing pain, redness, or unusual discharge from the incision site.

Continue wearing scrotal support during daytime activities. You may shower after 48 hours, gently patting the incision dry afterwards. Gradually increase walking distance but avoid lifting anything heavier than 5kg. Patients may return to desk work after 3-4 days, though standing jobs may require a whole week off.

Your urologist may schedule a follow-up appointment 5-7 days post-surgery to check the incision and remove any non-absorbable sutures. Mild bruising and swelling are normal during this period. Continue taking prescribed antibiotics if provided to prevent infection.

Avoid strenuous exercise, heavy lifting (over 10kg), and sexual activity for 2-3 weeks following surgery. Swimming and bathing could wait until the incision fully heals, typically 2 weeks. Patients may return to complete activities, including sports, by 4 weeks post-surgery.

Scrotal swelling gradually resolves over 2-4 weeks, though some patients notice mild swelling for up to 6 weeks. If surgery was performed for infertility, semen analysis is typically repeated at 3 and 6 months to assess improvement. Benefits regarding sperm parameters may take 3-6 months to manifest, as sperm production cycles take approximately 74 days.

Scrotal swelling and bruising may occur in patients and resolve over time. Mild to moderate pain at the incision site may occur and can be managed with oral pain medication. Some patients may experience temporary numbness around the incision due to minor nerve irritation, which may resolve.

Wound healing issues, such as minor bleeding or serous drainage, may occur in the first few days. These may resolve with proper wound care. Temporary changes in testicular position or feeling of heaviness may occur as tissues heal and adjust.

Hydrocele formation (fluid accumulation around the testicle) may occur, more commonly with the retroperitoneal approach. Hydroceles may be small and asymptomatic, though larger ones may require drainage or surgical repair. Varicocele recurrence may happen and may require repeat surgery if symptomatic.

Testicular atrophy from inadvertent arterial injury is a rare complication when surgery is performed by experienced urologists using proper technique. Wound infection may occur and can be treated with antibiotics. Chronic pain persisting beyond recovery may affect some patients and may require additional evaluation and management.

These risks may be minimised through careful surgical technique, proper patient selection, and adherence to postoperative instructions. Your urologist can discuss specific risk factors based on your individual circumstances during the consultation.