Hydrocele Flashcards
What is hydrocele?
Collection of fluid around the testes within the tunica vaginalis
What is the fluid contained within with Hydrocele?
The tunica vaginalis
What are simple hydroceles caused by?
Fluid trapped in the tunica vaginalis
How long can simple hydroceles take to resolve?
Within 2 years without having any lasting negative effects.
How do simple hydroceles resolve?
Usually this fluid gets reabsorbed over time and the hydrocele disappears.
Who do simple hydroceles commonly affect?
New born males
Why might a chid with hydrocele require surgery?
They might have an associated hernia
How do communicating hydroceles occur?
The tunica vaginalis is connected with the peritoneal cavity via the processus vaginalis.
This allows fluid to travel from the peritoneal cavity into the hydrocele, causing it to fluctuate in size.
What is the management of communicating hydrocele if they don’t resolve in the first 1-2 years of life ?
Surgical operation to remove or ligate the connection between the peritoneal cavity and the hydrocele
How do simple hydroceles present?
Soft, smooth, non-tender swelling around one of the testes.
The swelling will be in front of and below the testicle.
Simple hydroceles remain one size
How do communicating hydroceles present?
Soft, smooth, non-tender swelling around one of the testes.
The swelling will be in front of and below the testicle.
Communicating hydroceles can fluctuating in size depending on the volume of fluid from the peritoneal cavity.
When do communicating hydroceles usually resolve?
Within the first few months of life
What is a key finding with hydrocele?
They transilluminate with light
What are the differential diagnosis of hydrocele?
- Partially descended testes
- Inguinal hernia
- Testicular torsion
- Haematoma
How is the diagnosis of hydrocele confirmed?
Ultrasound
