DS1 needs operation to stop swelling in testicle

[annobal]

Has anyone else had this? I'm told it is not so rare. Apparently there is a tube running from tummy to testicle that seals off in most young babies. It hasn't in ds1 and causes one of his testicles to swell up. It is not so serious but can cause a hernia, which is why they want to operate. I am nervous though as it means a general anaesthetic on a 3 year old!

is it a hydrocele ? My ds had this - but luckily it has gone down on its own - he is now 3.5.

I have spoken to lots of people who have had it done (or their children at least) and all say it was no big deal after worrying themselves stupid.

The same DS had to have a general anaesthetic as a day patient for something else when he was just 3 - it was fine - would rather not do it again - but not a problem really. They give them a quick injection, and they fall asleep in your arms in about 5 seconds - then they wheel them away - you hang around for a couple of hours while they do the op, and the drugs wear off, then you go back to the ward with them, watch them sleep for a couple of hours, then they wake up - (ravenously hungry in my ds's case - actually that was the hardest part starving him for the afternoon op - no food after 8am I think, and no drink after about 10am), then after about an hour they let you go home.

annobal, I have no experience but can understand your anxiety. Shall bump this thread for you as I am sure some mn will be able to advise you.
Best wishes to your ds.

Hi annobal, this is called an Inguinal hernia. Have a goole and you can get more info on it. My ds has this and is due to have an op at the end of Aug to close the 'hole' and to stop the fluid from draining down into the scrotum (not the testicles). My ds is 3. I think it's best to get it done early as reports of this type of hernia in an adult is v v painful. My ds also has an umbilical hernia which they're going to sort out at the same time (symptom shown by an outie bellybutton, consultant picked up on this when he was looking at the other). Means at 45mins op under GA. I can totally appreciate your anxiety, but in our case I can't wait for it to get sorted so ds doesn't get a 'true' hernia resulting in alot of pain (pain-free atm). HTH and hope your ds is ok.

annobal,what you are describing is indeed a hydrocele,it consists of fluid only.A hernia is different,it is a part of the bowl bulging through a weakness or space in the tummy muscles.A hernia can become dangerous if it becomes twisted and is indeed a very painful thing in an adult.A hydrocele doesnt have the same problems as it is only fluid from the abdominal cavity.
My ds1 had a hernia would great to quiet a large size before his op,he had it repaired,very short time under GA,jusy enough for us to go the canteen grab a sandwich and he was back with us,he was very very sore despite having a spinal block put in and was extremely bruised all over his genital area but the surgeon did say it was a huge hernia.
My ds2 on the other hand had what we thought was also a hernia but turned ou to be a hydrocele,he underwent the op to drain the fluid and tie off the little tube it was draining through.The op took a similiar time scale and he has the same scar as his brother,but he had almost no pain and definately no bruising so an altogether easier.HTH and feel free to ask me any more have done both and more with my 2 boys

hi annobal, just to reassure you - when dd was operated on for an epigastric hernia, that day in day surgery all the other children who were being operated on by the gastro surgeons were all boys and all had either hydroceles or hernias (all affecting their testicles or groins) so I think it must be quite common!! Poor boys!

It hardly takes any time at all (when they are under) and the nurses on the children's ward will be fab and totally used to v anxious mums and dads!

Hydrocele does ring a bell actually. I think if the tube isn't closed off it could lead to an Ingenial Hernia. The operation code for our private insurance is under Ingenial Hernia though. Thx for the reassurance FIS and Loobie. Only 3 wks till ds' op.