What it is
This group covers the day-care and short-stay male procedures: microsurgical or open varicocelectomy for varicocele, hydrocele repair, circumcision for phimosis or recurrent infection, and other scrotal and penile procedures. Consent, privacy and a clear explanation of what will and will not change are treated as part of the procedure, not an afterthought.
Who it may suit
Treatment is selected after assessment. Varicocele repair may be considered for persistent symptoms or, in selected couples with infertility, a varicocele found on examination with abnormal semen results. An abnormal semen report alone does not establish the need for surgery; varicoceles found only on ultrasound are not routinely treated for infertility. Hydrocele repair or circumcision may be considered for troublesome symptoms or an appropriate medical indication.
Anaesthesia & recovery
Most are day-care or single-night procedures under short general or regional anaesthesia. Return to desk work is usually within a few days, with sport and heavy lifting avoided for two to four weeks depending on the procedure.
Important
Whether a particular procedure is right for you can only be decided after consultation and investigation. Recovery times below are typical and not a promise; every operation carries risks, which are explained in full before you consent.