C.,
This really isn't a response for preparation, but more of curiosity, How long has you son had the hydrocele? My oldest had it to when he was just under a year old. They said he would have to have surgery too. I asked if it was an issue if the surgery wasn't performed to see what time would do. The docs said that it isn't harmful and as long as it doesn't hurt, my son's didn't hurt, than it could be left to see what happened.
It took a while, about 8 months, but it finally went away on it's own. We avoided the surgery and the doc said that eventually the liquid does just disolve back into the system.
What I'm saying is please make sure that surgery is NECCESSARY. The doc I had in albany said as long as it isn't painful, then they usually go away on their own. The reason they always suggest surgery is becuase the parents mostly are the ones who get freaked out by a golfball-sized lump in a boys private area. Just be careful and ASK if it COULD eventually disolve back into his system. waiting 8 months was a whole lot better than putting my son through surgery he DIDN'T NEED.
M.*