Testicle Surgery Postoperative Instructions

Clothing

After surgery it can be difficult to fit into your regular pants. Bring a pair of comfortable pants that have a loose waistband to wear home.

After Anesthesia

Do not drive a car or operate machinery for 24 hours after anesthesia. Do not consume alcohol, tranquilizers, sleeping medication, or any non-prescribed medications for 24 hours after anesthesia or if taking prescription pain medication. Do not make important decisions or sign any important papers in the next 24 hours after anesthesia.

Surgical Care

You will feel more comfortable if you put ice on the scrotum for the first four to six hours after surgery. Place ice for 20 minutes then take a 5 minute break. You may do this during the day for up to 24 hours.

You do not need to place a dressings over the incision. If there is oozing or spotting from the incision, you may place over-the-counter gauze over the incision. Secure with over-the-counter medical tape. If dressings are placed, change daily. Stop placing dressings once there is no more oozing or spotting.

Scrotal support helps decrease swelling, bruising, pain and inflammation. Wear the scrotal support or fitted underwear (tidy whities, compression shorts) for two to four weeks after surgery or until all swelling and discomfort have resolved. During this time period you may elevate the scrotum on hand towels while sitting or laying down.

Stitches in the skin will dissolve on their own over the next two to three weeks. There may be some redness and irritation as they dissolve.

It will be normal to have incisional discomfort, some moderate swelling of the incision or bruising of the skin near the incision that can last up to one week. Swelling or bruising in the scrotum is to be expected and can last for a few weeks.

Bathing

Remove the dressing and scrotal support 24 hours after surgery. You may shower daily starting 24 hours after surgery. Let warm soapy water run over the incision. Once out of the shower, pat dry. Do not take baths or submerge in water until the incision is completely sealed.

Medications

Resume your regular medications or follow instructions given at discharge.

A pain medication to be taken by mouth may be prescribed for you. Narcotic pain medications are addictive and constipating and therefore should be discontinued as soon as possible.

NSAIDs (Alleve, ibuprofen, Motrin) decrease pain and inflammation. These may be prescribed or can be purchased at a drug store without a prescription.

Acetaminophen (Tylenol) helps decrease discomfort after surgery. This is available at any drug store without a prescription. Some narcotic pain medicines also contain acetaminophen. Do not take more than 3000 mg acetaminophen total per day. Ask your medical provider if you have history of liver problems.

A stool softener may be taken by mouth twice a day to avoid constipation. Constipation can cause you to strain to have a bowel movement, which puts stress on the surgery site and can impair healing. A stool softener or laxative may be prescribed or is available at any drug store without a prescription. These include Senna or Senokot or SennaGen, Dulcolax or Bisacodyl, Milk of Magnesia or magnesium hydroxide. Decrease or stop the stool softener for loose stools or diarrhea. Take stool softeners by mouth only. Use an over-the-counter suppository or enema if you have constipation despite pills by mouth.

Activity

Do not do any strenuous activity for two to three weeks. This includes activity such as running, strenuous exercise, stretching exercises and so forth. Do not lift anything over 10 pounds (4.5 kilograms) for the next four to six weeks.

You may walk up and down stairs. You may drive if you are not taking narcotic pain medicine.

Diet

Anesthesia and pain medicine can cause nausea and decrease your appetite. Start with clear fluids and bland diet. You may resume your regular diet as your appetite returns. Be sure to drink plenty of water, at least 60 ounces (2 liters) each day. Be sure to eat plenty of vegetables and fruits to promote healing and avoid constipation.

Contact Us Immediately If You Are Experiencing Any Of The Following Symptoms

• Temperature over 101°F (38.3°C)
• Pain not controlled with pain medication
• Nausea/vomiting
• Pain or swelling in one calf