Urology Discharge Instructions: Varicocele Repair
Home Care Instructions
A varicocele is an abnormally dilated vein that extends into the scrotum to the testicle. Most varicoceles occur on the left side. Varicocele repair is a same-day surgery. The surgery is meant to reverse the negative effects of varicocele. Actual shrinkage of the scrotal veins will occur over several months.
- Any time you have surgery, it is normal to have some blood on the surgical dressing. Oozing of blood from the surgical site may continue for a week.
- Your incision has Steri-Strips which support the incision while the incision heals. Steri-Strips support the skin closure, but stitches just under the skin actually hold the incision together. The Steri-Strip tapes across your incision should remain on for at least one week. Steri-Strips usually come off by themselves after 2 weeks. The stitches under the skin will dissolve and will not need to be removed.
- Swelling and bruising in your scrotum is normal. Any fluid from the surgery area will track down into the scrotum. Swelling and bruising will go away in a week or two. Applying an ice pack to your incision for 24 hours will reduce swelling and discomfort.
- You will need to wear a scrotal supporter for 5 days after your surgery. Do not have any sexual activity until you are pain free.
Activities
- You may shower beginning the second day you are home, but do not take tub baths for three weeks. Pat dry your surgical incision after you shower.
- Do not lift anything over 10 pounds for 2 weeks. Do not do any extra walking or exercise for two weeks. You may use stairs.
- Do not drive for one week. Do not drive while taking pain medicine.
- You may eat the foods you usually eat.
- If your are constipated, drink 8 to 10 glasses of water a day and use Milk of Magnesia, which can be bought at any drugstore or grocery store without a prescription.
Call your doctor at (615-322-2880) if you have:
- Nausea or vomiting
- Redness around your incision
- Fever over 101ºF
rev. June 2018