Hydrocoele Flashcards
(8 cards)
What is a hydrocele?
A hydrocele is a collection of fluid within the tunica vaginalis that surrounds the testes.
What is a simple hydrocele?
Simple hydroceles are common in newborn males and occur when fluid is trapped in the tunica vaginalis. This fluid usually gets **reabsorbed over time, causing the hydrocele to disappearUU.
What is a communicating hydrocele?
A communicating hydrocele is where the tunica vaginalis around the testicle is connected with the peritoneal cavity via a pathway called the processus vaginalis, allowing fluid to travel from the peritoneal cavity into the hydrocele.
How does a hydrocele present on examination?
A hydrocele presents as a soft, smooth, non-tender swelling around one of the testes, located in front of and below the testicle.
Simple hydroceles remain one size, while communicating hydroceles can fluctuate in size.
It will transilluminate with light.
What are the differential diagnoses of a scrotal or inguinal swelling in a neonate?
Differential diagnoses include hydrocele, partially descended testes, inguinal hernia, testicular torsion, haematoma, and tumours (rare).
What investigations are needed for a hydrocele?
An ultrasound is used to confirm the diagnosis and exclude other causes.
What is the management of simple hydroceles?
Simple hydroceles usually resolve within 2 years without any long-term effects. Parents should be reassured, and routine follow-up is recommended. Surgery may be needed if associated with other problems such as a hernia.
What is the management of communicating hydroceles?
Communicating hydroceles can be treated with a surgical operation to remove or ligate the connection between the peritoneal cavity and the hydrocele (the processus vaginalis).
