Post-Surgery Pain After Epididymal Tuberculosis Removal: What to Expect?

Epididymal tuberculosis excision surgery

Hello, Doctor Hsu.
I underwent a left epididymal tuberculosis excision surgery four days ago.
I was able to get out of bed and walk the next day, and the pain was manageable, so I was discharged.
However, the pain has been increasing over the past few days.
When I change the dressing myself, there is a slight oozing of blood from the wound, but it's minimal.
The pain seems to be originating from inside the scrotum.
Lying down or elevating the scrotum significantly alleviates the pain, but sometimes I wake up at night due to pain from involuntary erections.
Is this a normal phenomenon? Since there is a holiday in two days and the doctor will not be available, should I go to the emergency room? Thank you for your assistance.

Xiao Feng, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2014/07/25

Dr. Xu Weikai reply Urology

Hello, I cannot make a judgment.
It is still necessary to return for a follow-up with the surgeon for treatment.
If there are any unclear aspects, feel free to ask again, and we can discuss and research further.
Answers from the internet should only be used as a reference; if necessary, you should seek medical care at a healthcare facility.
This message is from Dr.
Hsu Wei-Kai, Director of the Urology Department, Taitung Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, who cares about you.

Reply Date: 2014/07/25

More Info

After undergoing surgery for the removal of an epididymal tuberculosis, it is not uncommon to experience pain as part of the recovery process. However, the nature and intensity of this pain can vary significantly among individuals. Based on your description, it seems that you are experiencing increasing pain in the days following your surgery, which is concerning and warrants further evaluation.

Understanding Post-Surgery Pain
1. Normal Pain Response: After any surgical procedure, including the removal of an epididymal mass, some level of pain is expected. This pain is typically due to tissue trauma from the surgery, inflammation, and the healing process. It is common for pain to peak a few days post-surgery before gradually subsiding.

2. Pain Characteristics: The fact that your pain is localized to the scrotal area and is exacerbated by certain positions or activities (like involuntary erections) can indicate that the surgical site is still healing. The reduction of pain when lying down or elevating the scrotum suggests that gravity and pressure may be contributing to your discomfort.

3. Wound Healing: The presence of slight oozing from the surgical site is not unusual, especially in the early days post-operation. However, if the amount of drainage increases, or if the pain becomes severe, these could be signs of complications such as infection or hematoma formation.

When to Seek Medical Attention
Given that your pain is increasing rather than decreasing, it is advisable to err on the side of caution. Here are some indicators that you should seek immediate medical attention:
- Severe Pain: If the pain becomes unbearable or is not manageable with over-the-counter pain relief.

- Signs of Infection: Increased redness, swelling, warmth around the incision site, or fever could indicate an infection.

- Changes in Drainage: If the drainage from the wound becomes more than just a small amount or changes in color (e.g., becoming purulent).

- Difficulty with Urination or Bowel Movements: Any changes in urinary function or severe abdominal pain should be evaluated promptly.

Recommendations
1. Pain Management: Continue to manage your pain with prescribed medications or over-the-counter pain relievers as directed by your healthcare provider. Avoid activities that exacerbate the pain.

2. Wound Care: Keep the surgical site clean and dry. Follow any specific instructions given by your surgeon regarding wound care.

3. Monitoring Symptoms: Keep a close eye on your symptoms. If you notice any worsening of your condition or new symptoms arise, do not hesitate to seek medical attention.

4. Follow-Up: Since you mentioned that your doctor will not be available for a few days, consider visiting an urgent care facility or emergency department if your symptoms worsen. It is better to have peace of mind and ensure that there are no complications.

Conclusion
While some pain is expected after surgery for epididymal tuberculosis removal, increasing pain is a concern that should not be ignored. It is essential to monitor your symptoms closely and seek medical attention if necessary. Your health and recovery are paramount, and addressing any complications early can lead to better outcomes.

Similar Q&A

Post-Surgery Concerns: Hardness and Numbness in Epididymis

Doctor, I had surgery eight days ago to remove bilateral epididymal calcified tuberculosis. In the past two days, I have noticed that both epididymides have become hard, and when I press on them, I feel numbness. The doctor said it is due to a blood clot obstruction and that it w...

Dr. Xu Weikai reply Urology
Mr. Lee: After surgery, it is generally recommended to apply local ice packs for 2-3 days to reduce local inflammatory responses, which will help minimize the size of any lumps. After any surgery, there will typically be a similar inflammatory response near the wound, which shoul...

Post-Epididymitis Surgery: Recovery Tips and Concerns for Patients

Hello, Dr. Hsu. Last Saturday, I went to the emergency room due to pain in the inner thigh and lower abdomen on the left side. The doctor admitted me for further investigation, and during the examination of my left testicle, it was found that touching the epididymis caused pain. ...

Dr. Xu Wencang reply Urology
If one side is normal and does not affect fertility, a semen analysis can be performed. Other factors are not affected; if pain persists, seek medical attention again.

Post-Vasectomy Recovery: Understanding Pain and Discomfort

Good evening, doctor. I would like to ask a question. I had a minimally invasive laser vasectomy on May 6th. After the surgery, I experienced pain at the incision site for the first three days, along with a slight aching sensation on the right side (it's hard to describe, bu...

Dr. Du Shixi reply Urology
Hello: Discomfort at the surgical site is quite common after surgery. If there are no abnormalities with the testicles and the incision site after the ligation, the sensations you are experiencing may take some time to resolve. As for whether it will take 7 days or longer, it var...

Post-Surgery Cough and Pain: Is It Normal After Testicular Exploration?

After the surgery, no torsion was observed. Due to general anesthesia, there was excessive mucus and coughing after extubation. On the first postoperative day, there was significant pain in the lower abdomen and scrotum during coughing, and both sides of the scrotum were swollen ...

Dr. Du Shixi reply Urology
Hello: The information provided here is for reference only and cannot replace a doctor's examination or diagnostic tests. After testicular surgery, there may be swelling and pain, which can take 1-2 weeks to fully resolve. As long as there is gradual improvement after the su...