From CANFP
Vasectomy Reversal After Effects
By Dr. Polito
Jul 12, 2007, 15:32
Question
My husband recently had a vasectomy reversal. Afterwards, when the main bruising and swelling had gone away, his right testicle was still very large, swollen, but with no bruising, pain, redness,etc. It is approx. twice the size of the other one and the scrotum skin does seem to be attached to the testicle where the incision was sewn back up. Sort of seems like the sutures went too far and possibly sewed the skin to the testicle in a small area. But again, he is not experiencing any pain or ejaculation problems with this.
Should we be concerned about this or will the testicle return to normal size eventually? It has been 2 months since the surgery. Is there a procedure that would take care of this without another surgery, such as draining the testicle or something?
Thanks in advance for considering this question.
Melody
Answer
Melody asks why her husband has painless swelling of the scrotum two months following vasectomy reversal. In all likelihood her husband has developed what is called a “reactive hydrocoele”—irritation of the lining around the testis itself that then causes this lining to weep fluid into the space immediately around the testis. Since the lining is impermeable—does not allow fluid to go back and forth—the fluid will generally remain trapped there. Sometimes it goes down gradually. Sometimes it continues to get larger gradually. It is harmless, but if it becomes uncomfortable the surgeon can tap the fluid out with a small needle. It may or may not return. More permanent solutions include instilling a medication to discourage fluid reformation or a second procedure to remove the offending fluid and a portion of the lining that holds the fluid in.
Dr. Gregory Polito
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