hydrocoele

Question 1

definition of hydrocoele

Answer 1

the excessive collection of serous fluid in the tunica vaginalis

A hydrocele of the cord is a persisting pocket of tunica vaginalis within the cord.

Question 2

aetiology of hydrocoecele

Answer 2

congenital - patent process vaginalis

idiopathic

tumour

infection

trauma

or underlying torsion of testicle or testicular appendage

Question 3

epidemiology of hydrocoele

Answer 3

very common in children in 1st yr

common in older men

Question 4

sx of hydrocoele

Answer 4

may be tender

fluctuates and transilluminates

scrotal swelling

usually asymptomatic

feels heavy

may be pain/urinary symptoms due to underlying cause

Question 5

signs of hydrocoele

Answer 5

scrotal swelling - possible to get above

transilluminates

difficult to feel testicle as separate

dull to percussion

skin not tethered to lump

Question 6

Ix for hydrocoele

Answer 6

US - exclude underlying tumour

urine - dipstick MSU for infection

blood - markers of testicular tumours if suspected

Question 7

mx of hydrocele in children

Answer 7

surgery after age 2

Question 8

mx for hydrocele in adolescents

Answer 8

surgery
unless secondary to varicocelectomy - then observation +- aspiration

Question 9

mx of hydrocele in adults

Answer 9

if no infection/discomfort - observation
otherwise - surgery/aspiration/sclerotherapy

Question 10

monitoring for hydrocele

Answer 10

examine children regularly and exclude an inguinal component

Question 11

complications of hydrocele

Answer 11

haematoma post-op
indirect inguinal hernia
pain
lower extremity oedema
testicular atrophy n
hydronephrosis
infertility