Hydrocele
What is it?
A hydrocele is a collection of fluid in the scrotum,
the sac that holds the testicles. There are two types of
hydroceles depending on how they form. One type, seen
shortly after birth, is called congenital hydrocele. In
adults, hydroceles develop slowly due to a variety of
causes. The condition may occur in one or both sides.
Although typically painless, hydroceles may be caused by
infection, which may cause pain or discomfort.
Who gets it?
Hydroceles are most common in infant boys. Risk factors
include prematurity, family history, or a history of an
abdominal wall defect. A hydrocele may also develop in
younger boys due to an inguinal hernia. Additionally, a
hydrocele can develop in teens and adults from an injury
or an infection.
What causes it?
Hydroceles can be the result of a type of hernia that
forms when the testis do not properly descend into
position in infants and young boys and a channel that
should have closed remains open, allowing fluid into the
scrotum. Hydroceles can also occur later in life as the
result of blocked lymphatic flow, infection, hernia,
injury or cancer. Sometimes hydroceles develop when there
is generalized swelling of the lower half of the body due
to fluid retention and heart failure.
What are the symptoms?
The infant’s scrotum may be firm and swollen, however
there should be no pain. In older boys and men, a
hydrocele may cause pain in the scrotum, groin and lower
back.
How is it diagnosed?
A hydrocele is diagnosed by the sudden appearance of
fluid confined to the testicles. A physician will do a
thorough examination and may recommend an ultrasound to
rule out other causes and to make sure the testicle is
normal.
What is the treatment?
Treatment of a hydrocele depends upon the age of the
patient and the degree of discomfort. Hydroceles often go
away without treatment or surgery. However, if the patient
is older than 1 year and has a large hydrocele or a hernia
is also present, surgery will repair the hernia and the
small channel through which the fluid passes into the
scrotum will be closed. In adults, a hydrocele can be left
alone if the patient is suffering no discomfort. Surgery
will only be performed if the hydrocele is causing
problems or if a hernia is the cause of the hydrocele.
If a patient is uncomfortable, a physician may relieve
the hydrocele by using a local anesthetic to numb the
scrotum, and inserting a needle into the hydrocele to
drain the fluid. This may be only a temporary solution. If
the hydrocele returns, surgery may be necessary.
Self-care tips
Following surgery for a hydrocele, the patient should
keep the small incision clean. The patient may experience
swelling of the scrotum for up to a month. Normal
activities can resume in a few days once the patient feels
ready. Usually further operations are not required, though
occasionally there is a recurrence of a hydrocele. This is
usually evident within 6 months after the operation.
This information has been designed as a comprehensive and quick reference
guide written by our health care reviewers. The health information written
by our authors is intended to be a supplement to the care provided by your
physician. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for
professional medical advice.
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