Treatment of Scrotal Hydroceles in NYC

by Alex Shteynshlyuger MD


If you have any questions, to schedule a consultation, please contact us or call/text: 1-212-204-6300.

We have excellent reviews from patients and their partners.  Information for out-of-state and international patients.  Find out our office hours or directions to our office

We offer affordable appointment prices with or without insurance.  Same-day virtual video appointments and in-person appointments are available.


What You Need to Know about the Treatment of Hydrocele

What are Hydroceles?

A hydrocele refers to a swelling of the scrotum (scrotum or the pouch containing the testicles) caused by an accumulation of fluid. It is common in newborns and typically disappears by the age of 1 year without any specific treatment. Older boys and adult men can also develop a hydrocele. 

A hydrocele is a collection of fluid in the scrotal sac surrounding the testes. The swollen scrotum is most commonly caused by a hydrocele.  Often, hydroceles are caused by trauma to the scrotum, which leads to fluid accumulation.  Hydroceles may also occur as a side effect of scrotal surgery, such as varicocele repair.  Hydroceles occur in children as well as in adults.

Mostly in children, hydroceles may also be caused by fluid from the abdominal cavity, so-called communicating hydroceles.

Dr. Alex Shteynshlyuger is an experienced surgeon who performs a same-day hydrocelectomy procedure to fix the hydrocele.

Why Do Men Get Hydrocele?

We do not know why some men get a hydrocele. It is clear that a hydrocele may develop as a result of injury or trauma to the testicle or scrotum. We suspect that most of the time, the trauma is not severe enough to be noticeable to the patient. Some men develop a hydrocele as a complication of treatment for other conditions. For example, scrotal hydrocele is a known complication of varicocelectomy (treatment of varicocele).

Where to Get Hydrocele Surgery in NYC?

At New York Urology Specialists, we offer hydrocele treatment for men.  Same-day virtual video appointments and in-person appointments are available.

Call/text today: 1-212-204-6300 or make an appointment online.  

We perform testicular implants, scrotal surgery, penile procedures, varicocele and hydrocele repair, and cosmetic circumcision.  We offer treatment for phimosis, balanitis, missing testis, low testosterone, penile irritation, and redness. We treat sexual and erection problems and offer comprehensive STD testing for infections. We offer confidential appointments.

Our appointment costs are affordable with or without insurance.  We offer free insurance verification.

We perform cystoscopy, penile and testicular ultrasound in our office.  We offer testosterone replacement therapy, vasectomy, Urolift procedure, water-vapor procedure in our office.   We treat urinary and erection problems. We offer confidential appointments.

Treatment Options for Scrotal Hydrocele in Men

In men without symptoms, no treatment is necessary.  But if the hydrocele bothers you aesthetically, it can be addressed with hydrocelectomy.  When hydroceles become large enough to cause discomfort or pain, treatment becomes advisable.  In rare circumstances, hydroceles may become infected and may need to be treated urgently.

Are There Medications for Hydrocele? Does Compression Help?

There are no medications that are effective in treating scrotal hydrocele. There are no known vitamins or supplements that can effectively reduce or eliminate the swelling. There are no known dietary changes that can improve this condition.

Hot and cold compresses and fabric support devices similar to a jockstrap may offer temporary relief, but do not treat the underlying cause of the condition.

There are 2 Treatment Approaches to Scrotal Hydroceles:

Hydrocele aspiration involves inserting a fine needle into the scrotum and aspirating fluid, which typically looks yellowish. This can be performed in our office under local anesthesia. While aspiration is effective in alleviating pain and pressure symptoms, the hydrocele often recurs, sometimes within days to weeks following the tap. For most men, tapping of the hydrocele is a temporary measure before definitive treatment with hydrocelectomy. In general, surgical correction is the treatment of choice.  Hydrocele aspiration is an effective temporary procedure that can lead to immediate relief of symptoms, but most of the time, the fluid reaccumulates within a few weeks.

Hydrocelectomy is the surgical treatment for a hydrocele. This procedure is considered to be a standard and effective approach for the treatment of scrotal hydrocele in men. At New York Urology Specialists, we typically use the bottleneck technique during surgery, which is very effective with a fairly low rate of recurrence and postoperative complications.

Hydrocelectomy leads to permanent resolution of hydrocele in greater than 80% of men. Hydrocelectomy is an outpatient same-day procedure that is typically done under anesthesia.  Most men are able to return to work within a few days after the procedure. At New York Urology Specialists, we perform hydrocelectomy either in the office under local anesthesia or in a surgical center or hospital under general anesthesia.

Is Hydrocelectomy Effective?

Hydrocelectomy is a surgical procedure that is performed for the treatment of scrotal hydrocele in men.  It is very effective, with a success rate of 70-90%. A small number of men (10-30%) may experience recurrence.

What Happens During a Hydrocelectomy?

Our approach to hydrocelectomy depends on the patient’s preference and the size of the hydrocele. The repair can be performed in our office under local anesthesia or in a surgical center or hospital under general anesthesia or IV sedation.

Typically, hydrocelectomy takes 1-2 hours to perform. Patients are able to go home shortly after the procedure.

In children, the procedure is typically performed through an inguinal incision, as most hydroceles in children are communicating (equivalent to a hernia).

In adult men with concomitant inguinal hernia and hydrocele, the procedure can be performed through one incision in the groin area.

For most adult men, hydrocelectomy is performed through a scrotal incision. If the hydrocele is bilateral, usually one midline incision on the scrotum allows the surgeon to repair the hydroceles on both sides.

How Fast Does a Hydrocele Grow? Is It Painful?

Typically, hydroceles grow slowly over a period of many years, but occasionally they can grow fairly fast. Usually, the swelling in the scrotum is painless, although, in adult men, there may be some discomfort and a feeling of heaviness in the scrotum.

How Large can Hydroceles be?

A hydrocele can be as large as >2 liters of hydrocele fluid (> 1/2 gallon) on each side.

What are the Symptoms of Hydroceles?

Most often, hydroceles cause swelling of the scrotum.  Most men with small hydroceles do not have any other symptoms.  Some men, particularly with larger hydroceles, develop scrotal ache, discomfort, and pain in the scrotum.  They may experience scrotal or testicular pain with walking and other activities. Large hydroceles may also interfere with sexual activity.

How is a Hydrocele Diagnosed?

A hydrocele can be diagnosed by a urologist on a physical exam of the scrotum and testes.  A scrotal ultrasound is usually performed to confirm the presence of hydrocele.  Small hydroceles may only be diagnosed on scrotal ultrasound.  We perform scrotal and testicular ultrasound in our office at New York Urology Specialists.

What Are the Different Types of Hydrocele?

There are 2 types of hydroceles: communicating and non-communicating.

In children, most hydroceles are of the communicating type and may increase or decrease in size with activity. In adults, most hydroceles are non-communicating and do not change in size with activity, but may grow slowly over time.

Non-communicating hydroceles are typically treated with hydrocelectomy through a scrotal approach. Communicating hydroceles in children are usually treated through an inguinal incision.

Why Choose New York Urology Specialists for Treatment of Hydroceles?

Board-certified urologists at New York Urology Specialists have extensive experience and expertise in treating men with hydrocele and other scrotal conditions, including scrotal abscesses and testicular cancer. We offer the full range of diagnostic and treatment options in the settings of our office, including high-resolution scrotal ultrasound for the diagnosis of scrotal conditions.

Most procedures can be performed in the office under local anesthesia or in a surgical center under general anesthesia or IV sedation. For men with complex medical problems, we offer treatment in hospital settings.

As an independent practice, we offer affordable treatment that is of the highest quality for men with and without health insurance. We see many patients from outside New York City and outside of the United States.

What Can a Hydrocele Be Mistaken For?

For an experienced urologist, the diagnosis of a hydrocele is pretty straightforward. However, self-diagnosis by patients is not prudent. Hydroceles can be mistaken for a number of serious problems, including testicular cancer, inguinal hernia, and Fournier’s gangrene.

How Are Hydroceles Diagnosed?

Our experienced urologists usually can diagnose a hydrocele with a high degree of certainty based on a physical exam. A confirmatory scrotal ultrasound is performed to exclude the possibility of other conditions that can mimic or be associated with a hydrocele, such as an inguinal hernia, which can be difficult to differentiate from a large hydrocele or testicular cancer.

When Do Hydroceles Need to be Treated?

Small hydroceles are commonly diagnosed as an incidental finding on scrotal ultrasound. Virtually every adult male has a tiny hydrocele that can be discovered on a careful review of a scrotal ultrasound.  Small hydroceles that do not cause any symptoms do not need to be treated.

Typically, treatment of a hydrocele is necessary when it becomes large enough to be noticeable and to cause symptoms such as heaviness or pain in the scrotum or discomfort with walking or sitting.

Penile Implant and Hydrocele Treatment

Men who wish to undergo an inflatable penile implant and who have a large hydrocele are usually recommended to undergo hydrocelectomy prior to penile implant surgery. If the hydrocele is small, however, it can usually be repaired at the same time as penile implant insertion.

Preparation for Hydrocele Repair (Hydrocelectomy)

Diet: If hydrocele repair is performed in our office under local anesthesia, no dietary restrictions are necessary. You can eat and drink normally before and after the procedure. If the procedure is performed under general anesthesia, you should not eat or drink anything for 8 hours before the surgery.

Shaving prior to Hydrocelectomy

We do not advise shaving prior to hydrocele repair. If necessary, we will shave you just before the procedure. This approach minimizes the risk of infection.

Medications Before Hydrocele Repair

For patients who undergo hydrocelectomy at New York Urology Specialists, we advise that you continue taking all your medications, other than blood thinners. Your urologist will discuss if and when to stop blood thinners prior to the procedure.

Recovery after Hydrocelectomy at New York Urology Specialists

Recovery after hydrocele repair is typically fairly quick and uneventful.  Most men are able to return to normal activities within 1-2 weeks.

Cost of Hydrocele Repair and Insurance Coverage

Most insurances cover the cost of hydrocelectomy.  For men with no insurance or a high deductible, we can offer cost-effective treatment options, including hydrocele repair under local anesthesia, which can save $3,000-$12,000 compared to a surgical center or hospital costs.

Book Appointment

If you have any questions, to schedule a consultation, please contact us or call/text: 1-212-204-6300.

We have excellent reviews from patients and their partners.  Information for out-of-state and international patients.  Find out our office hours or directions to our office

We offer affordable appointment prices with or without insurance.  Same-day virtual video appointments and in-person appointments are available.

Did you know? Dr. Shteynshlyuger has performed over 1,000 penile, scrotal, testicular, kidney, bladder, and prostate surgeries, including testicular implants, hydrocelectomy, varicocelectomy, scrotoplasty, circumcisions, circumcision revisions, frenuloplasty, penile implants, Urolift, prostate enucleation, correction of Peyronie’s disease, and congenital penile curvature.  He performs 150-200 penile surgeries a year.

Cost of Hydrocelectomy without Insurance

At New York Urology Specialists, we offer affordable treatment for men. Our prices are low for patients without insurance and for those who have high insurance copays, high deductibles, or insurance plans that do not cover treatment costs. 

At New York Urology Specialists, we offer flat-fee, ‘all-costs-included’ procedures such as scrotal and testicular surgery, circumcision, no-scalpel vasectomy, testicular implant, vasectomy reversal, hydrocelectomy, varicocelectomy, and many more.  The procedures are performed in our office under local anesthesia or sedation. Men from other states can save thousands of dollars over local hospital fees by coming to New York Urology Specialists for treatment.  Please contact us for current prices and discounts for patients without insurance or with high insurance deductibles.

Cost of Treatment and Insurance

Inexpensive Urologist Visit CostAt New York Urology Specialists, we offer affordable treatment for men. Our prices are low for patients without insurance and for those who have high insurance copays, high deductibles, or insurance plans that do not cover treatment costs. 

We accept many health insurance plans.  We would be happy to verify your eligibility and benefits and provide you with detailed information on your health plan’s coverage.  Financing options and credit options are available to help you pay for medical care.

Why Choose New York Urology Specialists for Hydrocele Treatment?

  • All treatment is performed by a board-certified urologist experienced in treating men with symptoms of erectile dysfunction, low testosterone, scrotal and testicular problems, premature ejaculation, and urinary problems using medical therapy, minimally invasive therapies, lasers, and surgery.  
  • We are one of the few practices in the region to offer a full range of options for the treatment of sexual, urinary, and erection problems in men.
  • We offer treatment options for testicular pain, penile problems, male infertility, Peyronie’s disease, prostatitis, enlarged prostate, frequent urination, overactive bladder, and prostate cancer in our office.  Office procedures avoid the risks, costs, and recovery from general anesthesia.  
  • We offer diagnostic testing in our office, which avoids hospital costs.
  • Extensive experience: Thousands of men have been treated successfully with varicocelectomy, hydrocelectomy, testicular implants, orchiectomy, epididymal cyst removal, scrotoplasty, circumcision, penoscrotal web correction, and spermatic cord denervation.
  • Confidential and Understanding Care. We understand that most of our patients desire privacy.  We see patients with a variety of urological problems. Your reason for visiting us is entirely confidential.
  • We are conveniently located within a 30-60 minute commute to men who are seeking treatment for scrotal swelling, testicular and penile problems, erectile dysfunction, enlarged prostate, urinary problems, and cancer treatment in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, Westchester, Long Island, Bronx, and New Jersey.

What does a Hydrocele Look Like?

You can find pictures of circumcision as well as before and after treatment images in our image gallery.

Scheduling Appointments for Hydrocele Treatment at New York Urology Specialists


If you have any questions, to schedule a consultation, please contact us or call/text: 1-212-204-6300.

We have excellent reviews from patients and their partners.  Information for out-of-state and international patients.  Find out our office hours or directions to our office

We offer affordable appointment prices with or without insurance.  Same-day virtual video appointments and in-person appointments are available.

Dr. Shteynshlyuger, MD, is a board-certified urologist in NYC who specializes in treating sexual, testicular, hormonal, and urinary problems in men.   He has performed hundreds of penile and testicular surgeries, including testicular implants, penile implants, varicocelectomy, hydrocelectomy, adult circumcision, circumcision revision, vasectomy, surgery for enlarged prostate, and many other procedures.  


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Treatment for Men With Fast Recovery at New York Urology Specialists

Excellence-Urology_Care-banner2At New York Urology Specialists, our urologists are specially trained in the evaluation and treatment of men’s health concerns including sexual problems and urinary problems in men.  We understand the challenges that penile problems and testicular problems create for our patients, their relationships, and their self-esteem.  We help you find a treatment for penile problems and testicular problems, including appearance concerns, foreskin problems, premature ejaculation, testicular pain, and erectile dysfunction that fit your needs, lifestyle, and preferences.

Urologists are doctors specializing in the treatment of men with sexual problems that include penis problems, scrotal problems, and erectile dysfunction. By virtue of our experience and skill, we are able to offer an effective treatment option for nearly every man who desires an effective treatment for any problem that affects the penis.  We offer medical and surgical treatment for men’s sexual problems.

We Treat Some of the Most Complex Men’s health problems, including:

Schedule an Appointment with Dr. Shteynshlyuger:

Call/text today: 1-212-204-6300 or make an appointment online

Dr. Shteynshlyuger is a fellowship-trained, board-certified urologist with expertise in the evaluation and treatment of sexual, urinary, and erection problems in men.  He uses modern, effective, and proven treatment methods.  We offer circumcision, circumcision revision, penile frenuloplasty, penoscrotal web repair, testicular implants, inflatable penile implants, shockwave therapy for ED, and treatment for Peyronie’s disease. We perform procedures such as injections for OAB, Interstim neuromodulation, water vapor treatment for BPH, prostate enucleation for enlarged prostate, and the Urolift procedure.  

He has successfully treated hundreds of men with an enlarged prostate, testicular problems, low testosterone, and erection problems with symptoms of frequent urination during the day and excessive urination at night.

He is highly recommended by top primary care physicians in the New York area. If you or someone you know has been experiencing urological symptoms, make an appointment to take advantage of Dr. Shteynshlyuger’s expert advice. Please feel free to contact us with any questions.


If you have any questions, to schedule a consultation, please contact us or call/text: 1-212-204-6300.

We have excellent reviews from patients and their partners.  Information for out-of-state and international patients.  Find out our office hours or directions to our office

We offer affordable appointment prices with or without insurance. 

 

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