Treatment. If your newborn has a hydrocele, chances are no treatment will be necessary. However, if it hasn't cleared up within 12 months, or it becomes extremely large, surgery might be required. In older males, it is typical for a hydrocele to clear up on its own inside of six months. Typically, a hydrocele does not require surgery unless it is a communicating hydrocele, which may result in hernias, or if it is a source of discomfort or pain. Surgery performed to treat a hydrocele is usually minor and the patient can return home just a few hours after the procedure.
