Hydrocele

Steven C. Campbell, M.D., Ph.D.

A hydrocele denotes a pathological accumulation of serous fluid in a bodily cavity. A hydrocele testis is the accumulation of fluids around a testicle, and is fairly common. It may be treated surgically. It can occur in infants undergoing peritoneal dialysis. A hydrocele testis is due to fluid secreted from a remnant piece of peritoneum wrapped around the testis in the tunica vaginalis. It can also be as a result of cancer, trauma (such as a hernia), or orchitis. It can also be the result of a plugged inguinal lymphatic system caused by repeated chronic infection of Wucheria bancrofti or Brugia malayi, two mosquito-borne parasites of Africa and S.E. Asia, respectively. As such the condition would be a part of more diffuse sequelae commonly referred to as elephantiasis.

Most hydroceles are present at birth (congenital). Otherwise, the condition generally affects men older than 40.

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

There is no way to prevent varicoceles in adults or hydroceles in baby boys . Avoid injury to the scrotum to prevent hydrocele in adult males.

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Steven C. Campbell, M.D., Ph.D.

• 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.

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Steven C. Campbell, M.D., Ph.D.

Most hydroceles are present at birth (congenital). Otherwise, the condition generally affects men older than 40.

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Steven C. Campbell, M.D., Ph.D.

• Scrotal injury
• Infection, including sexually transmitted diseases
• Radiation therapy

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Steven C. Campbell, M.D., Ph.D.

Complications that may occur from hydrocele surgery include:

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

Complications that may occur due to aspiration and sclerosing may include:

• Infection
• Fibrosis
• Mild-to-moderate pain in the scrotal area
• Return of the hydrocele

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.

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