Post-Operative Hydrocelectomy Nursing Care Plan

Hydrocelectomy = surgical excision of hydrocele sac. Key nursing interventions:

Immediate Post-Op (0–24 hrs)

• Vital signs q15min×1hr, q30min×2hr, q1hr×4hr, then q4hr (monitor bleeding, shock).
• O₂ sat, pain (numeric scale), nausea.
• Scrotal support: Snug briefs or scrotal elevation (towel roll) → ↓ edema, pain.
• Ice packs 20 min/hr × 24–48 hrs (barrier cloth).
• IV fluids → advance to PO as tolerated.
• Urinary output monitoring (retention risk from edema, anesthesia, opioids).

Ongoing Care

• Wound: Dressing change per surgeon (often 24–48 hrs); monitor for hematoma, infection, dehiscence.
• Pain: Scheduled acetaminophen + NSAID (if no contraindication); opioid PRN.
• Activity: Bedrest day 0; ambulate day 1; avoid heavy lifting/straining × 2–4 wks.
• Bowels: Stool softener (docusate) + fiber/fluids → prevent straining.
• Education: Signs of infection (fever, spreading redness, purulent drainage), scrotal support duration, follow-up, activity progression.

Complications to Monitor

• Hematoma (tense, painful swelling)
• Infection (cellulitis, abscess)
• Recurrence (hydrocele reformation)
• Testicular atrophy (vascular injury)
• Urinary retention

Discharge typically same day or 23-hr stay. Follow-up 1–2 weeks.