Hydrocelectomy Complication Rates in the United States

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Surgical Outcomes
• Public Health

Background:

• Hydrocelectomy is the standard surgical treatment for hydrocele.
• Previous European studies reported complication rates between 16% and 25%.
• US-specific complication rates following hydrocelectomy have not been well-documented.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess postoperative complication, emergency department visit, readmission, and reoperation rates after hydrocelectomy in the United States.
• To identify risk factors associated with hydrocelectomy complications.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective cohort study of 27,418 patients undergoing hydrocelectomy in the US (2004-2024).
• Data sourced from the TriNetX US Network using ICD-10 and CPT codes.
• Exclusion criteria included age <18, testicular neoplasm, and orchiectomy.

Main Results:

• The overall complication rate within 90 days was 13%.
• Rates included: 6.7% emergency department visits, 5.6% surgical complications, 2.6% readmissions, and 2.6% reoperations.
• Complications were higher in older patients and those with hypertension, diabetes, and coagulation defects.

Conclusions:

• The US complication rate for hydrocelectomy is 13%, with 9% occurring within the first 30 days.
• A 2.8% risk of surgical intervention was observed within 90 days.
• Close monitoring post-surgery is advised, particularly for high-risk patient groups.