A hydrocoele is a collection of fluid in the scrotum. Hydrocoeles are normally painless. Large hydrocoeles may cause discomfort because of their size. Walking or sexual activity may become uncomfortable if you have a very large hydrocoele. Quite often, a hydrocoele can be left alone without any surgical intervention.

Surgery may, however, be recommended if your hydrocoele is large or uncomfortable. The operation for a hydrocoele involves making a very small cut in the scrotum or lower tummy (abdominal) wall. The fluid is then drained from around the testicle (testis). The passage between the abdomen and the scrotum will also be sealed off so the fluid cannot re-form in the future. This is a minor operation and is performed as a day case.