Ultrasonography of the hydrocele
A hydrocele is a form of scrotal enlargement caused by fluid accumulation in the thin sheath around a testicle. Hydrocele is common in neonates and normally resolves on its own by the age of one. A hydrocele can develop in older boys and adult men as a result of scrotal inflammation or damage.
A hydrocele is typically not painful or damaging, and it may not require treatment. However, if you experience scrotal swelling, consult your doctor to rule out alternative possibilities.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF HYDROCELE?
The only symptom of a hydrocele is usually a painless swelling of one or both testicles.
Adult males with hydrocele may be bothered by the weight of a bulging scrotum. The magnitude of the inflammation often causes more pain. The swelling may be less in the morning and bigger later in the day.
When should you see a doctor?
Consult your doctor if you or your kid has scrotal edema. It is critical to rule out any other reasons of edema that may necessitate therapy. A hydrocele, for example, may be associated with a weak spot in the abdominal wall that permits an intestinal loop to extend into the scrotum (inguinal hernia).
A baby's hydrocele usually resolves on its own. However, if your baby's hydrocele does not dissolve after a year or enlarges, consult with your child's doctor.
If you or your kid has sudden, severe scrotal discomfort or swelling, get medical attention right once, especially if it occurs within several hours after a scrotal injury. These signs and symptoms can be caused by a variety of diseases, including a twisted testicle with obstructed blood supply (testicular torsion). To preserve the testicle, testicular torsion must be treated within hours after the onset of symptoms.
WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF HYDROCELE?
Baby boys
A hydrocele can form before to delivery. The testicles normally descend from the developing baby's abdominal cavity into the scrotum. Each testicle is accompanied by a sac that allows fluid to surround the testicles. Each sac usually shuts and the fluid is absorbed.
Sometimes fluid persists after the sac has closed (noncommunicating hydrocele). Within the first year of life, the fluid is normally progressively absorbed. However, the sac occasionally stays open (communicating hydrocele). The sac can expand or contract, and fluid can flow back into the abdomen if the scrotal sac is squeezed. Inguinal hernia is frequently linked with communicating hydroceles.
Older males
A hydrocele can form as a result of scrotal injury or inflammation. An infection in the testicle or the tiny, coiled tube at the rear of each testicle might cause inflammation (epididymitis).
WHAT ARE THE RISK FACTORS FOR HYDROCELE?
The majority of hydroceles are present at birth. A hydrocele affects at least 5% of newborn males. Prematurely born babies are more likely to have a hydrocele.
The following are risk factors for having a hydrocele later in life:
- Scrotal injury or inflammation
- Infection, which may include a sexually transmitted infection (STI)
WHAT ARE THE COMPLICATIONS OF HYDROCELE?
A hydrocele is usually not hazardous and has no effect on fertility. However, a hydrocele may be accompanied with an underlying testicular disease that can lead to major consequences, such as:
- An infection or a tumor: Either might impair sperm production or function.
- Inguinal hernia: The intestinal loop caught in the abdominal wall might cause life-threatening problems.
HOW IS HYDROCELE DIAGNOSED?
Your doctor will begin with a physical examination. It is quite likely to include:
- Examining an enlarged scrotum for soreness.
- Checking for an inguinal hernia by applying pressure to the abdomen and scrotum.
- Using a flashlight to illuminate the scrotum (transillumination). Transillumination will reveal clear fluid surrounding the testicle if you or your child has a hydrocele.
Following that, your doctor may suggest:
- Blood and urine testing to see if you or your child has an infection like epididymitis.
- Ultrasound, which can help rule out hernias, testicular tumors, and other causes of scrotal enlargement.
WHAT ARE THE TREATMENTS FOR HYDROCELE?
A hydrocele in a baby boy may disappear on its own. A doctor should check a hydrocele in boys of any age since it can be related with an underlying testicular disease.
If a hydrocele does not dissolve on its own, it may need to be surgically removed, which is usually done as an outpatient surgery. A hydrocelectomy (hydrocelectomy) can be performed under general or regional anesthesia. To remove the hydrocele, an incision is performed in the scrotum or lower abdomen. If a hydrocele is discovered during surgery to treat an inguinal hernia, the surgeon may remove it even if it is not causing any discomfort.
For a few days after hydrocelectomy, you may require a catheter to drain fluid and a bulky bandage. Because a hydrocele may return, your doctor will most likely prescribe a follow-up check.
HOW CAN HYDROCELE BE PREVENTED?
There is nothing you can do to keep your child from developing a hydrocele. The best defense against a hydrocele for teenage and adult males is to maintain the testicles and scrotum free of damage. Use an athletic cup, for example, if participating in contact sports.
Although hydroceles are normally not a serious health concern, you should notify your doctor if you see any abnormalities or swelling in your scrotum. The anomaly might be caused or mimicked by another disease or condition.
CONCLUSION
If you see anything out of the ordinary, contact your healthcare practitioner. Although the talk may be difficult, it is critical to get any swelling evaluated since what seems to be a hydrocele might be a different condition. You must confirm the diagnosis in order to receive the proper therapy.