Hydrocele Flashcards
1
Q
what is a hydrocele?
A
accumulation of fluid within the tunica vaginalis
2
Q
what are the two different types of hydroceles?
A
- communicating
- non-communicating
3
Q
what is a communicating hydrocele?
A
caused by patency of the processus vaginalis allowing peritoneal fluid to drain down into the scrotum
4
Q
which age group typically presents with communicating hydrocele?
A
- newborn males (clinically apparent 5-10%)
- usually resolve within the first few months of life
5
Q
what is a non-communicating hydrocele?
A
caused by excessive fluid production within the tunica vaginalis
6
Q
what can hydrocele develop into?
A
- epidiymo-orchitis
- testicular torsion
- testicular tumours
7
Q
what are the features of hydrocele?
A
- soft, non-tender swelling of the hemi-scrotum
- anterior and below the testicle
- swelling is confined to the scrotum (you can get ‘above’ the mass on examination)
- transilluminates
- testis may be difficult to palpate if the hydrocele is large
8
Q
how is hydrocele diagnosed?
A
- clinical
- ultrasound required if there is any doubt about or if the underlying testis cannot be palpated
9
Q
how are infantile hydrocele managed?
A
generally repaired if they do not resolve spontaneously by the age of 1-2 years
10
Q
how are adult hydrocele managed?
A
- conservative approach
- further investigation (e.g. ultrasound) is usually warranted to exclude underlying cause
