Varicocele Surgery and Hematoma

I recently had surgery for a varicocele.  The surgery was complicated when I left the hospital (same day surgery) when bleeding developed (likely from walking up steps).  About a week later, the doctor decided it would be best to drain the scrotum because I was in severe discomfort.  It has been a week now and my right side of my scrotum is nearly back to normal, but my left side is still swollen and is hard.  I am worried that this will remain hard and not get back to normal.  If anyone has any thoughts or experiences please let me know--how long does it take to get back to normal or whether it is best to somehow remove the clot itself by surgery than wait.

[Kevin Pho, MD]

I am not a surgeon, so my insight into this question is limited.

Continuing bleeding certainly is a concern.  An ultrasound of the affected area can help determine if this is the case.  If not, drainage is certainly an option.

Other considerations would be infection, or an abscess.

This should be evaluated by your urologist or personal physician.

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
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