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A population based assessment of complications following outpatient hydrocelectomy and spermatocelectomy
Darcie A Kiddoo1, Tim A Wollin, David R Mador
1Division of Urology, Roayl Alexandra Hospital, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada.
Insights
This study found that outpatient scrotal surgery for hydroceles and spermatoceles has a 19.2% complication rate, with persistent swelling and infection being most common. Antiseptic type and drains did not significantly impact outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Surgical Outcomes
- Scrotal Surgery
Background:
- Hydroceles and spermatoceles are common scrotal conditions requiring surgical intervention.
- Outpatient scrotal surgery offers a convenient treatment option.
- Understanding complication rates is crucial for patient management and surgical improvement.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence of complications following outpatient scrotal surgery.
- Specifically analyze complications after hydrocelectomy and spermatocelectomy.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective study of 161 patients undergoing hydrocelectomy or spermatocelectomy.
- Review of hospital and office charts for postoperative complications.
- Recorded complications included infection, persistent swelling, and chronic pain.
- Analyzed the impact of antiseptic preparation (iodine vs. chlorhexidine) and surgical drains.
Main Results:
- Overall complication rate was 19.2%.
- Infection/scrotal abscess occurred in 9.3% of patients.
- Persistent swelling (treatment failure) was observed in 9.3% of patients.
- Chronic pain occurred in 0.6% of patients.
- No significant difference in complication rates was found based on antiseptic preparation or drain use.
Conclusions:
- Persistent scrotal swelling, inflammation, and postoperative infection are the most frequent complications.
- Further prospective studies are needed to investigate factors like drain use, antibiotics, and surgical preparations.
- Optimizing surgical techniques may help reduce complication rates in scrotal procedures.
Purpose:
We determine the incidence of complications following outpatient scrotal surgery for the treatment of hydroceles and spermatoceles.
Materials And Methods:
A retrospective study of all patients undergoing hydrocelectomy or spermatocelectomy between April 1, 1997 and March 31, 1999 at 1 institution was performed. The hospital and office charts were reviewed, and postoperative complications (infection, persistent swelling, chronic pain) were recorded. The type of preoperative antiseptic preparation (iodine based versus chlorhexidine) and the presence or absence of surgical drains were also recorded.
Results:
A total of 161 patients were included in the study with an average age of 53.7 years. The overall complication rate was 19.2%. Infection/scrotal abscess formation occurred in 9.3% of patients, persistent swelling (treatment failure) in 9.3% and chronic pain in 0.6%. There was no significant difference in the complication rate when the preoperative preparations and the presence or absence of surgical drains were compared.
Conclusions:
The most common complications following scrotal surgery for hydroceles and spermatoceles are persistent scrotal swelling, inflammation and postoperative infection. Further prospective investigation is required to study factors such as the use of drains, preoperative and/or perioperative antibiotics and the type of surgical preparations, which may have a role in complication rates.
