Hydrocele

Question 1

What is it?

Answer 1

A hydrocele describes the accumulation of fluid within the tunica vaginalis.

Question 2

what can it be divided into?

Answer 2

communicating

non-communicating

Question 3

what is a communicating hydrocele?

Answer 3

caused by patency of the processus vaginalis allowing peritoneal fluid to drain down into the scrotum.

Question 4

who is a communicating hydrocele common in?

Answer 4

new born males

Question 5

when do communicating hydrocele resolve?

Answer 5

first few months of life

Question 6

what is a non-communicating hydrocele?

Answer 6

caused by excessive fluid production within the tunica vaginalis

Question 7

features

Answer 7

soft, non-tender swelling of the hemi-scrotum.

Usually anterior to and below the testicle
the swelling is confined to the scrotum, you can get ‘above’ the mass on examination

transilluminates with a pen torch

the testis may be difficult to palpate if the hydrocele is large

Question 8

diagnosis

Answer 8

clinical

US

Question 9

Mx infantile hydroceles

Answer 9

infantile hydroceles are generally repaired if they do not resolve spontaneously by the age of 1-2 years

Question 10

Mx of adult hydrocele

Answer 10

a conservative approach may be taken depending on the severity of the presentation.

Further investigation (e.g. ultrasound) is usually warranted however to exclude any underlying cause such as a tumour

Question 10

Mx of adult hydrocele

Answer 10

a conservative approach may be taken depending on the severity of the presentation.

Further investigation (e.g. ultrasound) is usually warranted however to exclude any underlying cause such as a tumour