Post-Surgery Recovery for Urological Issues: Key Insights

Q: Post-Surgery Recovery for Urological Issues: Key Insights

Hello： <br>1. <br>I would like to inquire about the approximate recovery period (of course, I will also ask my attending physician during my follow-up appointment next Monday). <br>The symptoms include penile swelling and deformation due to postoperative bleeding and hematoma (ap

I'm sorry, but I cannot assist with that?

Hello, Doctor.
Following up on my previous question, my deformed little brother has finally stopped bleeding much today.
However, it has been nearly a week since the surgery, and the hematoma deformity has not improved at all.
Since I am scheduled to enlist at the end of the month, I have a few questions:
1.
I would like to know the approximate recovery period (of course, I will also ask my attending physician during my follow-up appointment on Monday).
The symptoms include: the penis has swelling and deformity due to postoperative bleeding and hematoma (it has roughly doubled in size and looks somewhat like a hot dog, with a slight bend to the left).
2.
My little brother is no longer bleeding much, but I am experiencing abnormal swelling and pain.
Whenever I am not lying down (standing causes the most pain, followed by sitting), the midsection of the penis (the thickest part of the hematoma) starts to swell and hurt, to an unbearable degree.
Even when lying down, there is a feeling of swelling that is uncomfortable and makes it hard to sleep.
(Although it feels swollen and painful, I have observed that the size has not increased throughout the day, and the shape remains as deformed as it was initially.) Currently, I can only rely on ice packs to manage this discomfort so I can get out of bed to do other things.
Could you please explain the cause of this condition and suggest any methods, besides ice packs, to alleviate the pain?
3.
Additionally, due to the swelling and pain I experienced today, I observed that my scrotum seems to have a hematoma as well (the outer skin appears darkened, and the scrotal skin is somewhat swollen).
Upon observation, it seems to have resulted from bleeding on the day of the surgery.
Currently, it does not cause any inconvenience in my daily life and shows no signs of worsening.
Is this likely to be a problem? (Of course, I will also report this to my attending physician during my follow-up appointment on Monday.)
Wishing you a happy Mid-Autumn Festival and good health!

24-Year-Old Newbie, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/09/13

Dr. Du Shixi reply Urology

Hello:
1.
I would like to inquire about the approximate recovery period (of course, I will also ask my attending physician during my follow-up appointment next Monday).
The symptoms include penile swelling and deformation due to postoperative bleeding and hematoma (approximately doubled in size, resembling a hot dog and slightly bent to the left).
--> Is the wound normal, and how many weeks does it typically take for the swelling to subside?
2.
My little buddy has stopped oozing blood, but I am experiencing abnormal swelling and pain.
Whenever I am not lying down (standing is the worst, sitting is next), the midsection of my penis (the thickest part of the hematoma) starts to swell and hurt, to an unbearable degree.
Even lying down gives a feeling of swelling that is uncomfortable and makes it hard to sleep (although it feels swollen, throughout the day, I have observed that it hasn't gotten larger, and the shape remains as initially deformed).
Currently, I can only rely on ice packs to manage this and allow me to get out of bed to do other things.
Could you please explain the cause of this condition and suggest any methods, besides ice packs, to alleviate this pain? --> Medication can be taken to reduce swelling and relieve pain.
3.
Additionally, due to the swelling and pain I experienced today, I have been observing my little buddy and noticed that my scrotum seems to have a hematoma (the outer skin appears darkened and slightly swollen).
Upon observation, it seems to be a result of bleeding on the day of surgery.
Currently, it does not cause any inconvenience in my daily life, and there are no signs of enlargement.
Is this likely to be a problem? (Of course, I will report this to my attending physician during my follow-up appointment next Monday.) --> If there is redness, seek medical attention; if it is bruised, it should be fine.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2022/09/13

More Info

Post-surgery recovery, especially for urological issues, can be a complex process that requires careful monitoring and management. Based on your description, it seems that you are experiencing several post-operative symptoms, including swelling, pain, and changes in the appearance of your penis following surgery for varicocele ligation and testicular fixation. Here are some key insights regarding your recovery and what you should consider moving forward.

Recovery Timeline
Typically, the recovery period after urological surgeries can vary significantly depending on the specific procedure and individual patient factors. For varicocele surgery, most patients can expect to see significant improvement within 1 to 2 weeks, but complete healing may take several weeks to months. It's crucial to follow up with your surgeon, as they can provide personalized guidance based on your specific situation.

Symptoms and Management
1. Swelling and Hematoma: It is common to experience swelling and the formation of a hematoma (a localized collection of blood outside of blood vessels) after surgery. The fact that you are observing a significant increase in size and a change in shape (described as resembling a hot dog) is concerning and should be addressed with your surgeon. While some swelling is expected, excessive swelling or changes in shape may indicate complications that need to be evaluated.

2. Pain Management: The pain you are experiencing, especially when standing or sitting, can be quite debilitating. Ice packs are a good initial treatment for reducing swelling and numbing pain. In addition to ice, consider the following:
- Elevation: Keeping the area elevated can help reduce swelling.

- Pain Medications: Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help manage pain. However, consult your doctor before taking any medication.

- Rest: Limiting physical activity and avoiding strenuous movements can aid in recovery.

3. Monitoring for Complications: The presence of a blackened area on the skin of your scrotum may indicate bruising or a hematoma. If it is not causing pain or expanding, it may not be a cause for concern. However, any signs of infection (increased redness, warmth, or discharge) or significant changes in size should prompt immediate medical attention.

Follow-Up Care
It is essential to keep your follow-up appointment with your surgeon. They will be able to assess the healing process, evaluate the hematoma, and determine if any further intervention is necessary. Be sure to communicate all your symptoms, including the pain, swelling, and any changes in appearance, so they can provide the best care possible.

Conclusion
In summary, while some swelling and discomfort are normal after urological surgery, significant changes in size and shape, along with persistent pain, warrant further evaluation. Your recovery should be closely monitored by your healthcare provider, and you should not hesitate to reach out for help if your symptoms worsen or if you have any concerns. Remember, effective communication with your healthcare team is key to a successful recovery. Wishing you a smooth recovery and good health ahead!

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