Post-Operative Update on Bilateral Hydrocele Surgery
A 56-year-old male, weighing 176 kg and standing 6' tall, takes various medications for hypertension and has temporarily ceased low-dose aspirin due to some bleeding issues. Summary: It’s been a month since my surgery, and I'm experiencing persistent minor bleeding from the incision. Is this typical? Approximately three weeks back, I underwent a bilateral hydrocele repair. The surgery was successful, and I experienced minimal discomfort afterward. I was released from the hospital the following day. My concern revolves around the bleeding from my incision site. During my hospital stay, I visited the restroom once for urination, and upon changing back into my clothes, I noticed an alarming amount of blood—enough to create a scene reminiscent of a horror film. Fortunately, this severe bleeding lasted less than a minute. By the time I composed myself and managed to grab some toilet paper to dab the area, the bleeding had ceased. Aside from a significant amount of blood splattered around, there were no further consequences. I was discharged without any complications. Unfortunately, I encountered a similar situation at home twice within the next week. Following one particularly dramatic episode of bleeding, I noticed that my left testicle had shrunk noticeably. Is it possible that a hematoma formed and burst, leading to the bleeding? Now, nearly four weeks post-surgery, I am still noticing bright red spotting from the operation site, along with some dark discharge or mucus. I have been changing the dressing daily. Upon self-assessment, the incision does not exhibit any signs of irritation; it appears pink and healthy. There’s no unpleasant odor (aside from the natural scent from close contact), and there’s no itching. I haven’t developed a fever, making infection seem unlikely. Anxious about my condition, I contacted my urologist, who advised me to continue to dress the area and visit the emergency room if the bleeding does not cease. My next official follow-up appointment isn’t scheduled for another couple of months. For those who have undergone this procedure, how long did you experience bleeding afterward? How long did you require dressing at the incision site? Any insights or shared experiences would be greatly valued and helpful.
Answers (1)
7/10/2025, 9:01:51 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to feel anxious about persistent bleeding after surgery, especially given the dramatic incidents you’ve described. While some amount of blood-tinged drainage from surgical sites can be typical in the days or weeks following surgery, ongoing bleeding at four weeks post-operation is concerning.
Explanation
Post-operative bleeding can occur for various reasons, such as:
- Hematoma Formation: A collection of blood (hematoma) can form in the tissues after surgery and may lead to occasional bleeding if it bursts.
- Wound Healing Issues: Incomplete healing or complications can result in continued discharge or spotting.
- Infection: While you don't report signs of infection (like fever or unexpected tenderness), it's still something to monitor.
- Blood Thinning Effects: Since you've recently stopped taking low-dose aspirin, any changes in blood clotting could also play a role.
Next Steps
- Monitor Symptoms: Keep a detailed record of when the bleeding occurs, its intensity, and any associated symptoms (pain, swelling, changes in color).
- Wound Care: Continue to keep the incision clean and dry, changing your dressing as needed, and reach out if you notice any signs of infection such as increased redness, swelling, or bad odor.
- Elevate and Rest: When possible, keep your feet elevated and minimize physical activity to reduce stress on the healing area.
- Emergency Care: Since your urologist recommended it, please seek emergency care if you experience any severe bleeding episodes or if the current bleeding persists or worsens.
- Follow Up: Although your official appointment is in a couple of months, consider contacting your urologist again if bleeding does not resolve within the next week for additional guidance or to possibly adjust follow-up plans.
Your experience is valid, and while it's understandable to be concerned, taking the above steps can help address the situation while you wait for further medical advice.
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