Hydrocoele

Question 1

Define hydrocoele?

Answer 1

The excessive collection of serous fluid within the tunica vaginalis

Question 2

What are the risk factors for hydrocoele?

Answer 2

1. Male
2. Increased intraperitoneal pressure or fluid
3. Inflammation or injury to scrotum
4. Connective tissue disorders
5. Filariasis (parasite)

Question 3

What are the two types of hydrocoele?

Answer 3

1. Communicating (patent processus vaginalis creates connection between peritoneum and tunica vaginalis)
2. Non-communicating (closed porcessus vaginalis no connection)

Question 4

What is the epidemiology of hydrocoele?

Answer 4

very common in infants in their first year of life (when processus vaginalis is patent)

Question 5

What are the presenting symptoms of hydrocoele?

Answer 5

1. Scrotal swelling
2. May be asymptomatic
3. Pain

Question 6

What are the signs of hydrocoele on physical examination?

Answer 6

1. Scrotal swelling
2. Transilluminates
3. Fluctuation test (shifting fluid)
4. Can get above the swelling

Question 7

What are the appropriate investigations for hydrocoele?

Answer 7

1. Usually clinical diagnosis

2. USS - exclude tumour