Hydrocele

Question 1

What is a hydrocele?

Answer 1

A collection of fluid within the tunica vaginalis that surrounds the testes

Question 2

What is the tunica vaginalis?

Answer 2

A sealed pouch of membrane that surrounds the testes

Question 3

What are the examination findings of a hydrocele?

Answer 3

Testicle palpable within the hydrocele
Soft, fluctuant
Irreducible
Lump has no bowel sounds (unlike a hernia)
Transilluminated by shining a torch through the skin
Swelling is confined to the scrotum

Question 4

What is a communicating hydrocele?

Answer 4

A communicating hydrocele is seen in newborns - caused by a patency of the processus vaginalis, allowing peritoneal fluid to drain down into the scrotum

Question 5

What is a non-communicating hydrocele?

Answer 5

Caused by excessive fluid production within the tunica vaginalis

Question 6

What is the management of hydrocele?

Answer 6

Infants
- Surgery if they do not resolve spontaneously by 1-2 years

Conservative approach

Question 7

What investigation is usually performed for a suspected hydrocele?

Answer 7

Ultrasound - to exclude other causes of a scrotal lump