Hydrocoele Flashcards
Define Hydrocoele
Collection of serous fluid in the tunica around the testes or along the spermatic cord
(May occur in females along the canal of Nuck)
Aetiology of Hydrocoele
Most paediatric cases are congenital, and resolve within the first year of life
Non-communicating: Minor trauma | infection | testicular torsion | epididymitis | varicoele operation | testicular tumour
Communicating: Increased intra-abdominal fluid or pressure (shunts, dialysis, ascites) | Patient processus vaginalis | connective tissue disorders | filariasis
Symptoms of Hydrocoele
Scrotal mass
- Enlargement following e.g. coughing, straining, crying, raising arms
- Variation during the day i.e. smaller in the morning than in the evening
- Gradually increasing in size
- Feels heavy
Signs of Hydrocoele
Scrotal mass
- Transillumination
- Enlargement following e.g. coughing, straining, crying, raising arms
- Fluctuant consistency
- Skin not separate from lump, but not tethered*
- Fluid collects around the front and sides of the testicle (testicle cannot be felt separately) and can extend upwards in the spermatic cord.
- Dull on percussion
Investigations for hydrocoele
Clinical diagnosis
USS: scrotal ultrasound confirms presence or absence of normal/abnormal testis | May identify a testicular tumour
