Hydrocoele

Question 1

Define hydrocoele

Answer 1

Collection of serous fluid between the layers of the tunica vaginalis

Question 2

What are the causes/risk factors of hyrocoele

Answer 2

Communicating – patent processus
vaginalis allows peritoneal fluid from
abdomen to enter tunica vaginalis
• Congenital (normally resolves
<1yr)

Non-communicating – inflammation of
the testes -> fluid exudation
• Minor trauma
• Infection
• Testicular tumour

Question 3

What are the symptoms of hyrocoele?

Answer 3

• Soft painless scrotal mass

Question 4

What are the signs of hydrocoele?

Answer 4

• Transilluminates
• Fluctuant
• Can palpate above mass

Question 5

What investigations are carried out for hydrocoele?

Answer 5

• History and a physical examination are usually sufficient for diagnosis.
• USS - to exclude underlying tumour.
• Urine - dipstick, MSU for infection.
• Blood - markers of testicular tumours if suspected (aFP teratomateous, ß-HCG).