POST-OPERATIVE INSTRUCTIONS FOR VARICOCELECTOMY

DIET:

You may return to your normal diet within twenty-four hours following your surgery. You may note some mild nausea and possibly vomiting the first six to eight hours following surgery. This is usually due to the side effects of anesthesia, and will disappear quite soon. I would suggest clear liquids and a very light meal the first evening following surgery.

ACTIVITY:

Your physical activity should be restricted the first forty-eight hours. During that time you should remain relatively inactive, moving about only when necessary. During the first two weeks following surgery you should avoid lifting any heavy objects (anything greater than fifteen pounds), and avoid strenuous exercise which might endanger the integrity of your incision.

WOUND:

In most cases your abdominal incision will be covered with a dressing. You will be able to shower the second day following surgery, but avoid scrubbing the area of your dressing. No tub bathing or swimming for one week after surgery.  Do not be surprised if there is mild testicular swelling and pain on the same side that the surgery was performed. This is quite typical following surgery, and may actually last for four to six weeks.

MEDICATION:

In most cases you will be sent home with a narcotic pain pill (Vicodin or Percocet). If the pain is not too bad, you may take either Tylenol (acetaminophen) or Advil (ibuprofen) which contain no narcotic agents, and might be tolerated a little better.

PROBLEMS YOU SHOULD REPORT TO US:

A:    Fever or 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit.

B:  Moderate or severe swelling under the skin incision or involving the scrotum. C: Drug reactions such as hives, a rash, nausea or vomiting.

FOLLOW-UP:

You should contact our office within 24 hours to set up your first follow-up appointment. This visit, to check your incision and progress, is usually set up seven days following your surgery.