Hydrocele

Question 1

Define: hydrocele

Answer 1

Collection of fluid around the testicle, btwn parietal tunica vaginalis & visceral tunica vaginalis

Question 2

What causes a hydrocele?

Answer 2

Majority are idiopathic

Can be associated w/ inflammatory conditions

• Epididymitis
• Torsed appendix testis

Question 3

How does a hydrocele present?

Answer 3

unilateral scrotal enlargement

Question 4

How do you tx a hydrocele if asx? If bothersome?

Answer 4

If asx or minimal sx –> reassure & monitor

If bothersome –> treat

Question 5

What are tx options for a hydrocele?

Answer 5

• Needle aspiration w/ injection of sclerosing agent

- Hydrocelectomy

Question 6

What are advantages & a disadvantage of needle aspiration?

Answer 6

Advantage: done in office, awake, w/ local anesthesia

Disadvantage: can recur

Question 7

What are complications of needle aspiration?

Answer 7

• Infection
• Bleeding
• Pain

Question 8

What is an advantage & disadvantage of hydrocelectomy?

Answer 8

Advantage: unlikely to recur

Disadvantage: Done in OR w/ anesthesia

Question 9

What are complications of hydrocelectomy?

Answer 9

• Infection
• Bleeding
• Pain
• Possible loss of testis