Hydrocele Flashcards
What is a hydrocele
Collection of fluid within tunica vaginalis that surrounds the testis
What is a simple hydrocele
Fluid is trapped in tunica vaginalis, and this fluid usually gets reabsorbed over time and the hydrocele disppears
What is a communicating hydrocele
Occurs when the tunica vaginalis around testicle is connected with the peritoneal cavity via a pathway called processus vaginalis.
What happens to the fluid in communicating hydrocele
The fluid travels from peritoneal cavity into the hydrocele, allowing it to fluctuate in size
Examination of hydrocele
Soft, smooth, NT swelling around testes, in front and below. Fluctuation in size is to determine whether it is simple or communicating.
What happens when light is shon on a hydrocele
Transilluminates
Diagnosis of hydrocele
US to confirm
Management of hydrocele
Simple will resolve within 2 years. Communicated can be treated with surgery
Differentials of scrotal or inguinal swelling in neonate
Hydrocele, partially descended testes, inguinal hernia, testicular torsion, haematoma, tumours
