HYDROCELE
A hydrocele is a type of swelling in the scrotum, the pouch of skin that holds the testicles. This swelling happens when fluid collects in the thin sac that surrounds a testicle. Hydroceles are common in newborns. They often go away without treatment by age 1. Older children and adults can get a hydrocele due to an injury within the scrotum or other health problems.
WHEN CAN I SEE A DOCTOR ?
See your health care provider if you or your child has swelling of the scrotum. It’s important to find out if there are other causes of the swelling that could be treated. For example, a hydrocele might be linked with a weak point in the ab muscles that allows part of the intestine to extend into the scrotum. This problem is called inguinal hernia.
CAUSES
A hydrocele can form due to an injury. Or it can form because of a type of swelling, called inflammation, within the scrotum. Inflammation might be caused by an infection in the testicle or in the small, coiled tube at the back of each testicle.
COMPLICATION
A hydrocele often isn’t dangerous and usually doesn’t affect the ability to have a baby. But a hydrocele might be linked with a health problem that can cause serious issues. These problems include:
- Infection or tumor. Either might cause the testicles to make less sperm or not work as well as usual.
- Inguinal hernia. This can lead to life-threatening health problems.
DIAGNOSIS
Your health care provider should start with a physical exam. It’s likely to include:
- Checking for pain in an enlarged scrotum.
- Pressing on the stomach area and scrotum to check for inguinal hernia.
- Shining a light through the scrotum. If you or your child has a hydrocele, the light will show clear fluid surrounding the testicle.
After that, you may need: - Blood and urine tests to help find out if you or your child has an infection.
- An imaging test called ultrasound to check for a hernia, a tumor or other causes of swelling in the scrotum.
TREATMENT
A hydrocele that doesn’t go away on its own might need to be removed with surgery. Some people don’t have to stay at the hospital overnight after surgery. Before the operation to remove a hydrocele, you receive medicine that keeps you from feeling pain. One type of medicine puts you in a sleep-like state, too.
After surgery, you might need a tube to drain fluid and a bulky bandage for a few days. You may need a follow-up exam because a hydrocele might come back