What Is A Hydrocele?
A hydrocele is the accumulation of fluid around a testicle. The fluid is secreted from a residual piece of the inner abdominal wall lining called peritoneum. This layer of peritoneum around the testis is called tunica vaginalis.
A hydrocele is the accumulation of fluid around a testicle. The fluid is secreted from a residual piece of the inner abdominal wall lining called peritoneum. This layer of peritoneum around the testis is called tunica vaginalis.
What Causes A Hydrocele?
The causes of hydrocele could be:
when there is defective absorption of fluid by the tunica vaginalis
where there is excessive production of fluid within the sac as a result of other conditions such as:
Trauma
Infection
Cancer of the testis
The causes of hydrocele could be:
Primary hydrocele
when there is defective absorption of fluid by the tunica vaginalis
Secondary Hydrocele
where there is excessive production of fluid within the sac as a result of other conditions such as:
Trauma Infection Cancer of the testis
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is made by:
Examining the scrotum. On examination there is a soft and non-tender swelling. The testis itself may not be felt.
Ultrasound scan of the scrotum can confirm the hydrocele.
Diagnosis is made by:
Examining the scrotum. On examination there is a soft and non-tender swelling. The testis itself may not be felt. Ultrasound scan of the scrotum can confirm the hydrocele.Treatment
Treatment options include:
Conservative measures
This can be done if the hydrocele is not causing any symptoms and if there is no serious underlying cause for the hydrocele.
Surgery
Aspiration
This mainly involves aspiration of the hydrocele fluid and injecting a sclerosing agent to stop the fluid re-accumulating. However, despite using the sclerosing agent the fluid does re-accumulate regularly and hence is not an effective form of treatment.