Testicular Diseases Orchitis Epididymitis Testicular Torsion Aricocele Hydrocele Anorchidism Hydrocele
Testicular Diseases Orchitis Epididymitis Testicular Torsion Aricocele Hydrocele Anorchidism Hydrocele
Testicular Diseases Orchitis Epididymitis Testicular Torsion Aricocele Hydrocele Anorchidism Hydrocele
HYDROCELE
A hydrocele is a fluid collection within the tunica vaginalis of the scrotum or along the
spermatic cord.
These fluid collections may represent persistent developmental connections along the
spermatic cord or an imbalance of fluid production versus absorption.
CAUSES:
Trauma
Ischemia
Infection (sexually transmitted or other)
Testicular tumor
Increased intra-abdominal pressure
Filariasis may produce hydrocele in infected boys and men
Hydrocele may be seen following ipsilateral renal transplantation
Indirect inguinal hernia
Primary testicular disorders
Surgery
Peritoneal dialysis
Valsalva
Pathophysiology:
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.
Alternatively, hydroceles can be divided into those that represent a persistent
communication with the abdominal cavity and those that do not. whereas
noncommunicating hydroceles develop increased scrotal fluid from abnormal intrinsic
scrotal fluid shifts.
Diagnostic evaluation:
The first step in diagnosing a hydrocele is a physical examination. During the exam,
the physician may shine a flashlight at the swollen area of the scrotum. Because
the fluid in a hydrocele is usually clear, the light will show the outline of the testicle
and detect excess fluid.
Ultrasonography
Duplex ultrasonography
Plain abdominal radiography
Hydrocele Treatment
Most hydroceles resolve without medical treatment.
There are two methods of treatment: aspiration and hydrocelectomy (surgery).
In aspiration, a needle is used to drain the fluid. Aspiration is not the most common
treatment for hydroceles, but it may be performed when surgery is too risky. In some
cases, medication is injected afterward the procedure to close the sac and help prevent
hydroceles from recurring.
Hydrocelectomy is a minor surgical procedure in which the fluid and sac are removed.