What is hydrocele and its types?

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 1. Older boys and adult men can develop a hydrocele due to inflammation or injury within the scrotum.

What is primary and secondary hydrocele?

A primary hydrocele causes a painless enlargement in the scrotum on the affected side and is thought to be due to the defective absorption of fluid secreted between the two layers of the tunica vaginalis (investing membrane). A secondary hydrocele is secondary to either inflammation or a neoplasm in the testis.

What is the scientific name of hydrocele?

Hydrocele. Other names. hydrocoele. Scrotal ultrasound of a 10 cm large hydrocele, with anechoic (dark) fluid surrounding the testicle.

What is the pathophysiology of hydrocele?

The pathophysiology of hydroceles requires an imbalance of scrotal fluid production and absorption. This imbalance can be divided further into exogenous fluid sources or intrinsic fluid production.

What are the two types of hydrocele?

What are the types of hydrocele?
  • Communicating hydrocele: This is a type of hydrocele that has contact (communication) with the fluids of the abdominal cavity. …
  • Non-communicating hydrocele: In this type, the inguinal canal did close, but there is still extra fluid around the testicle in the scrotum.

What is encysted hydrocele?

An encysted hydrocele or a non-communicating type of inguinal hydrocoele, is a loculated fluid collection along the spermatic cord, separated from and located above the testicle and the epididymis, as a result of aberrant closure of the processus vaginalis.

What are the four types of hydrocele?

There are 4 types of primary hydrocele: (1) congenital hydrocele, which occurs when the processus vaginalis is patent and communicates with the peritoneal cavity; (2) infantile hydrocele, in which the processus vaginalis gets obliterated at the level of the deep inguinal ring; (3) encysted hydrocele of the cord, in …

How many types of hydrocele are there?

Hydroceles are divided into two types: primary and secondary. Primary Hydrocele: The processus vaginalis of the spermatic cord fuses at term or within 1-2 years of birth, thus obliterating the communication between the abdomen and scrotum.

What are the complications of hydrocele?

This is a preoperative problem in patients with hydrocele. As mentioned above, the complications include sexual dysfunction, infertility, rupture, pain, pyocele, infection, Fournier’s gangrene, hematocele, intertrigo, scrotal calculi, hydrocele stones, appendicitis, and testicular ischemia.

What is secondary hydrocele?

Secondary Hydrocele: This usually occurs as a result of an underlying condition, such as infection (filariasis, tuberculosis of the epididymis, syphilis), injury (trauma, post-herniorrhaphy hydrocele), or malignancy.

What are the four types of hydrocele?

There are 4 types of primary hydrocele: (1) congenital hydrocele, which occurs when the processus vaginalis is patent and communicates with the peritoneal cavity; (2) infantile hydrocele, in which the processus vaginalis gets obliterated at the level of the deep inguinal ring; (3) encysted hydrocele of the cord, in …

Which side hydrocele is more common?

The main symptom is a painless, round-oval shaped swollen scrotum, which feels like a water balloon. A hydrocele may occur on one or both sides. However, the right side is more commonly involved.

What is the difference between hydrocele and varicocele?

Hydrocele vs varicocele: what’s the difference? Hydrocele, epididymal cysts and varicocele are all types of testicular lumps and swellings: Hydrocele is a swelling caused by fluid around the testicle. Varicocele is a swelling caused by dilated or enlarged veins within the testicles.

When is congenital hydrocele used?

An operation is usually only advised if the hydrocele persists after 12-24 months of age. If your child also has a hernia then this will usually be corrected in the same operation.

What is the difference between hydrocele and hernia?

A hydrocele occurs when fluid collects in the scrotum and causes it to swell. This may or may not be accompanied by a hernia. A hernia is present when bowel or membranes, known as omentum, push through the abdominal wall either into or above the scrotum. A hydrocele or a hernia may be on one or both sides.

What are the complications of hydrocele?

This is a preoperative problem in patients with hydrocele. As mentioned above, the complications include sexual dysfunction, infertility, rupture, pain, pyocele, infection, Fournier’s gangrene, hematocele, intertrigo, scrotal calculi, hydrocele stones, appendicitis, and testicular ischemia.

What is best treatment for hydrocele?

A hydrocele that doesn’t disappear on its own might need to be surgically removed, typically as an outpatient procedure. The surgery to remove a hydrocele (hydrocelectomy) can be done under general or regional anesthesia. An incision is made in the scrotum or lower abdomen to remove the hydrocele.

What is best treatment for hydrocele in child?

Hydrocele Treatment

The doctor can remove a hydrocele in a brief operation called a hydrocelectomy. Your baby will get a local numbing agent or be put to sleep under anesthesia. Then, a surgeon makes a cut in their scrotum or lower belly. The surgeon then drains the fluid and sews the sac closed.