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Hydrocele

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Anonymous

14y ago
Updated: 9/27/2023
Definition

A hydrocele is a fluid-filled sack along the spermatic cord within the scrotum.

Alternative Names

Processus vaginalis; Patent processus vaginalis

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Hydroceles are common in newborn infants.

During normal development, the testicles descend down a tube from the abdomen into the scrotum. Hydroceles result when this tube fails to close. Fluid drains from the abdomen through the open tube. The fluid builds up in the scrotum, where it becomes trapped. This causes the scrotum to become swollen.

Hydroceles normally go away a few months after birth, but their appearance may worry new parents. Occasionally, a hydrocele may be associated with an inguinal hernia.

Hydroceles may also be caused by inflammation or injury of the testicle or epididymis, or by fluid or blood blockage within the spermatic cord. This type of hydrocele is more common in older men.

Symptoms

The main symptom is a painless, swollen testicle , which feels like a water balloon. A hydrocele may occur on one or both sides.

Signs and tests

During a physical exam, the doctor usually finds an swollen scrotum that is not tender. Often, the testicle cannot be felt because of the surrounding fluid. The size of the fluid-filled sack can sometimes be increased and decreased by pressure to the abdomen or the scrotum.

If the size of the fluid collection varies, it is more likely to be associated with an inguinal hernia.

Hydroceles can be easily demonstrated by shining a flashlight (transillumination) through the enlarged portion of the scrotum. If the scrotum is full of clear fluid, as in a hydrocele, the scrotum will light up.

An ultrasoundmay be done to confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment

Hydroceles are usually not dangerous, and they are usually only treated when they cause discomfort or embarrassment, or if they are large enough to threaten the testicle's blood supply.

One option is to remove the fluid in the scrotum with a needle, a process called aspiration. However, surgery is generally preferred. Aspiration may be the best alternative for people who have certain surgical risks.

Sclerosing (thickening or hardening) medications may be injected after aspiration to close off the opening. This helps prevent the future build up of fluid.

Hydroceles associated with an inguinal hernia should be repaired surgically as quickly as possible. Hydroceles that do not go away on their own over a period of months should be evaluated for possible surgery. A surgical procedure, called a hydrocelectomy, is often performed to correct a hydrocele.

Expectations (prognosis)

Generally, a simple hydrocele goes away without surgery. If surgery is necessary, it is a simple procedure for a skilled surgeon, and usually has an excellent outcome.

Complications

Complications may occur from hydrocele treatment.

Risks related to hydrocele surgery may include:

  • Blood clots
  • Infection
  • Injury to the scrotal tissue or structures

Risks related to aspiration and sclerosing may include:

  • Infection
  • Fibrosis
  • Mild-to-moderate pain in the scrotal area
  • Return of the hydrocele
Calling your health care provider

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you have symptoms of hydrocele (to rule out other causes of a testicle lump).

Acute pain in the scrotum or testicles is a surgical emergency. If enlargement of the scrotum is associated with acute pain, seek medical attention immediately.

References

Sandlow JI, Winfield HN, Goldstein M. Surgery of the scrotum and seminal vesicles. In: Wein AJ, ed. Campbell-Walsh Urology. 9th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 34.

Schneck FX, Bellinger MF. Abnormalities of the testes and scrotum and their surgical management. In: Wein AJ, ed. Campbell-Walsh Urology. 9th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 127.

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14y ago

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Related Questions

What has the author Samuel Osborn written?

Samuel Osborn has written: 'Hydrocele' -- subject(s): Testicular Hydrocele, Hydrocele


What has the author James Earle written?

James Earle has written: 'Practical observations on the operation for the stone' 'A treatise on the hydrocele : containing an examination of all the usual methods of obtaining relief in that disease' -- subject(s): Testicular Hydrocele, Hydrocele, Early works to 1800 'A treatise on the hydrocele' -- subject(s): Hydrocele


What is the meaning of the medical term hydrocele?

Hydrocelectomy is surgical removal of a hydrocele.


Is it normal to have pain a month after a hydrocele operation?

hydrocele operation pain till month not normal


What is hidrocele?

I think you're looking for "hydrocele".


What is the Medical term for hernia of the scrotum?

Hydrocele


What does hydrocele do for people?

A hydrocele is a harmless build up of fluid around the testicles, creating a swelling in the groin and scrotum area. It is common in newborn infants.


What is the purpose of a hydrocelectomy?

A hydrocelectomy is a surgical procedure to remove a hydrocele, which is a fluid-filled sac around the testicle. The purpose of the surgery is to relieve symptoms such as pain or discomfort and to prevent complications such as infection or enlargement of the hydrocele.


Is there homeopathic treatment for hydrocele?

A hydrocele is a collection of fluid around the testicle in the scortum.Homeopathy offers the following medicines for the treatment of hydrocele: Apis, Aurum-met, Calc-c, Con, Flour-acid, Graph, Iod, Kali-iod, Puls, Rhod, Selen, Sil, Spong.


What is the accumulation of a yellow watery substance in the scotum?

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What is the medical term meaning fluid-filled sac in the scrotum along the spermatic cord leading from the testicles?

Scrotal centesis is drainage of fluid from a hydrocele. Hydrocelectomy is actual surgical removal of the abnormal accumulation, including measures to prevent its recurrence.


What is Hydrocelectomy?

Hydrocelectomy is surgery to remove a hydrocele. A hydrocele is a fluid-filled sac inside the scrotum. A hydrocele happens when there is an opening between the belly and the scrotum.