HYDROCELE
A hydrocele (Hi-droe-seel) is a type of swelling in the scrotum that occurs when fluid collects in the thin sheath surrounding a testicle. Hydrocele is common in newborns and usually disappears without treatment by age Older boys and adult men can develop a hydrocele due to inflammation or injury within the scrotum.
Symptoms
The main symptom of a hydrocele is swelling on one or both sides of your scrotum that may feel like a water balloon. You might notice other symptoms in your scrotum, like:
- Swelling that changes in size during the day
- Discomfort
- Pain
- A feeling of heaviness
Causes
In infants :A hydrocele can develop before birth. Normally, the testicles descend from the developing baby’s abdominal cavity into the scrotum. A sac accompanies each testicle, allowing fluid to surround the testicles. Usually, each sac closes and the fluid is absorbed.
Sometimes, the fluid remains after the sac closes (noncommunicating hydrocele). The fluid is usually absorbed gradually within the first year of life. But occasionally, the sac remains open (communicating hydrocele). The sac can change size or if the scrotal sac is compressed, fluid can flow back into the abdomen. Communicating hydroceles are often associated with inguinal hernia.
In adults: A hydrocele can develop as a result of injury or inflammation within the scrotum. Inflammation might be caused by an infection in the testicle or in the small, coiled tube at the back of each testicle (epididymitis).
Treatment
The treatment for a hydrocele depends on various factors, including the size of the hydrocele, the presence of any symptoms, and the patient’s overall health. Here are the main treatment options for hydroceles:
- Observation: Small, painless hydroceles that do not cause discomfort may be left untreated. Your doctor might recommend periodic follow-up appointments to monitor the size and any changes in the hydrocele.
- Aspiration (Needle Aspiration): In this procedure, a doctor uses a needle and syringe to drain the fluid from the hydrocele. While this can provide temporary relief, there is a higher chance of the hydrocele reoccurring since the sac’s inner lining remains intact. This procedure is not commonly recommended due to the likelihood of recurrence.
- Surgery (Hydrocelectomy): Surgery is often considered the most effective and permanent treatment for hydroceles, especially if they are causing discomfort, growing larger, or not improving over time. There are two main surgical approaches:
- Open Surgery: In this traditional surgical procedure, a small incision is made in the scrotum, and the hydrocele sac is carefully removed(hydrocelectomy) or reduced in size(eversion of sac). The incision is then closed with stitches. Recovery time for open surgery can vary, and it may involve some discomfort and activity restrictions during healing.
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