Condition- Hydrocoele

Question 1

Define hydrocele

Answer 1

Excessive collection of serous fluid within the tunica vaginalis

Question 2

What is the difference between a communicating and non-communicating Hydrocoele?

Answer 2

• COMMUNICATING: patent processus vaginalis allows peritoneal fluid to flow into the scrotum
• NON-COMMUNICATING: production of fluid in the tunica vaginalis

Question 3

When is hydrocele most common?

Answer 3

In the first year of life

Question 4

List 2 key signs of hydrocoele on physical examination

Answer 4

• SNT Scrotal swelling ant + below testicle
• Transilluminates
• May also get above mass
• Testis might be difficult to ID from hydrocoele

Question 5

List some investigations you might conduct on a pt with scrotal swelling to rule out other serious conditions

Answer 5

• US- rule out tumour
• Urine dipstick + MSU- to rule out infection
• Bloods- absence of testicular tumour markers

Question 6

List two tumour markers for testicular cancer

Answer 6

• Beta-HCG
  Alpha-fetoprotein