| Alternative names |
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Processus vaginalis, Patent processus vaginalis.
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| Causes and risk factors |
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Hydrocele of testis is due to secretion of fluid by a piece if peritoneum around testis called as tunica vaginalis. It can be due to trauma, orchitis, cancer or peritoneal dialysis in infants.
Hydrocele may also be caused due to repeated chronic infections by mosquito borne parasites Wuchereria bancrofti and Brugia malaye. They plug the inguinal lymphatic system.
In newborn infants, during the process of normal development a tube descents down from testicles to the scrotum. If this tube does no get closed, there is a development of hedrocele. The fluid from the abdominal cavity draws off from the open tube and gets collected in the scrotum.
Injuries to scrotum, infection and radiation therapy are the risk factors for development of hydrocele.
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| Signs and symptoms |
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Generally pain is not associated with hydrocele. Swollen water filled testicle without pain is the symptom of hydrocele. It may develop on both the sides.
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| Tests and tools |
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Swollen painless scrotum is the sign of hydrocele. It may be diagnosed by physical examination and by passage of strong light through enlarged testicle. Ultrasound can be used to confirm the diagnosis.
Blood and urine tests may be done to check for any infection. X-ray is done to distinguish between the hydrocele and the inguinal hernia.
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| Treatment |
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In baby boys, the hydrocele typically disappears on its own within a year.
Fluid from the hydrocele can be removed by needle aspiration. Surgical treatment (hydrocelectomy) is more common for hydrocele.
Needle aspiration is better for patients in whom surgery is not possible. Sclerosing (thickening) agent is injected to close the opening.
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| Expectations (Prognosis) |
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In most cases, hydrocele disappears without surgery and if surgery is required it a very simple procedure and normally the prognosis is good.
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| Complications |
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Rarely hydrocele is coupled with inguinal hernia, tumor or infection.
There may be complications due to treatment of hydrocele. Infection, blood clots and injury to scrotal structure or tissue are the complications of surgical treatment.
Complications of sclerosing and aspiration are infection, fibrosis, pain in scrotal area and recurrence of hydrocele.
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| Calling your health care provider |
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If there are symptoms of hydrocele then it is better to contact a doctor. If there is pain in scrotal area then it is a surgical emergency.
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