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Hydrocele

Hydrocele

Increasing the amount of fluid in the membranes surrounding the testicle is called the accumulation of too much water in the testicular sacs. In general, between the testicles and the membranes surrounding the testicles, there are 0.5 – 1 ml of fluid to provide lubrication. This water ratio increases by 100-200 ml when hydrocele is present.

Hydrocele is divided into two separate groups.

Congenital Hydrocele
Adult Hydrocele

Congenital Hydrocele

After the 14th week, the baby's testicles, which are in the womb, descend downwards and settle in the testicular sac called the scrotum. With this descent, the abdominal membrane, which is being dragged along, descends to the scrotum together with the testicle. Shortly after birth, the sac closes and becomes a filamentous structure. If the sac is not closed, intra-abdominal fluid passes through this opening and accumulates and swells in the scrotum around the testicle.

Congenital Hydrocele is divided into two;

Communicating Hydrocele
Non-Communicating Hydrocele

Communicating hydrocele is a condition in which the abdominal membrane descending to the scrotum is open.

A non-communicating hydrocele is a condition in which the part of the membrane on the abdominal side closes abnormally, and the peritoneal fluid is in the scrotum.

Adult Hydrocele

Hydrocele, usually more common over the age of 40, is observed in men due to testicular tumors, testicular inflammation, trauma to the scrotum, radiation therapy, etc.

What are the causes of a hydrocele?

Hydrocele can be observed both in adults and in childhood. The reason in children is that the canal, which is located between the peritoneum and the leaves surrounding the testis and closes after birth, is not closed. The exact cause in adults is unknown. However, testicular inflammation can be a symptom of diseases such as testicular trauma/ tumors. As a result of these diseases, hydrocele appears quickly.

How is a hydrocele diagnosed?

It can be easily diagnosed by physical examination. When light is shone on the bags during the examination, it is seen that the bag with liquid inside transmits light. If the mass is filled with liquid, it is called light-permeable. Confirming the diagnosis with scrotal ultrasonography is necessary to find the main underlying cause. The procedure is carried out in a short time. No other tests and examinations are needed to establish the diagnosis.

Treatment of Hydrocele

In hydrocele without a hernia, observed in childhood, it is expected to wait until two for treatment. If no improvement is observed during this time, it is corrected by surgical intervention. On the other hand, hydroceles that appear together with a hernia should be corrected by surgical intervention when the diagnosis is made.

In adult hydroceles, on the other hand, treatment varies depending on whether there is another underlying disease. It is recommended to apply treatment in cases of cosmetic problems, hydrocele, the size of which prevents daily activity.

Updated at : 15-09-2022