A hydrocelectomy (pronounced “hi-dra-see-leck-toh-mee”) is a surgery that removes or repairs a hydrocele (pronounced “hi-dra-seel”). A hydrocele is a fluid-filled sac surrounding your testicle. It causes swelling in your scrotum, which is the pouch that holds your testes (testicles). You may need a bilateral hydrocelectomy if you have hydroceles around both of your testicles. “Bilateral” means that the condition affects your left testicle and right testicle.

Hydroceles can be scary because you can see them and they’re in a sensitive part of your body. They’re usually painless and sometimes improve without treatment. However, you should discuss any abnormality in your scrotum with your healthcare provider right away. It could be a sign of a more serious problem.