Overview
Understanding the disease
Symptoms
Hydrocele is a condition characterized by the accumulation of fluid in the scrotum. The symptoms of hydrocele may include:
- A visible swelling or lump on one or both sides of the scrotum
- A sensation of heaviness or discomfort in the scrotum
- Mild to moderate pain or tenderness in the affected area It is important to note that the symptoms mentioned in the question are related to various other health conditions. Please consult a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment.
Risk Factors
Risk factors for developing hydrocele later in life include injury or inflammation within the scrotum, infection (including sexually transmitted infections), and imbalances in fluid production or absorption due to injury or infection. In babies, hydroceles often occur due to an opening between the stomach area and the scrotum not properly closing during development.
Development
Hydroceles can develop due to fluid collecting in the thin sac that surrounds a testicle. In newborns, they often occur due to an opening between the stomach area and the scrotum not properly closing during development. In older children and adults, a hydrocele can form due to an injury or inflammation within the scrotum, or an infection, including a sexually transmitted infection. Communicating hydroceles are linked with inguinal hernias. Hydroceles can also develop in adults due to an imbalance in the amounts of fluid made or absorbed, often as a result of an injury or infection in the scrotum.
Assessment and Diagnosis
Diagnosis
To diagnose a hydrocele, a healthcare provider typically starts with a physical exam. The exam may include checking for pain in an enlarged scrotum, pressing on the stomach area and scrotum to check for inguinal hernia, and shining a light through the scrotum to check for clear fluid surrounding the testicle. Blood and urine tests may be conducted to rule out infections, and an imaging test called an ultrasound may be performed to check for hernia, tumors, or other causes of swelling in the scrotum. No laboratory test is available specifically for diagnosing hydrocele, but a sample may be taken for lab testing if pus or drainage is present.
Management and Treatment
Complications
Potential complications of a hydrocele include infection, tumor, inguinal hernia, and chronic lung disease. In some cases, a hydrocele may be linked with a health problem that can cause serious issues, such as decreased sperm production or reduced function of the testicles. In rare cases, hydroceles can lead to severe complications such as shock, renal failure, and death, particularly in cases of toxic shock syndrome.
Treatment
Treatment for a hydrocele typically involves a surgical procedure known as hydrocelectomy. However, hydrocele that doesn't cause any discomfort may not require treatment. The surgical procedure to remove a hydrocele is usually performed under general anesthesia or regional anesthesia, which numbs the lower part of your body. During the surgery, the surgeon makes a cut in the scrotum or lower stomach area and removes the fluid-filled sac. After the surgery, you might need a tube to drain fluid and a bulky bandage for a few days. It is essential to follow up with your healthcare provider after the surgery, as a hydrocele might come back.