Renal & Urology/ Hydrocele

Question 1

What is a hydrocele?

Answer 1

Peritoneal fluid collecting between the parietal and visceral layers of the tunica vaginalis

Question 2

How are communicating hydroceles different from noncommunicating hydroceles?

Answer 2

• Noncommunicating hydroceles do not communicate with the peritoneal cavity, are not reducible, and do not change in size with Valsalva

Question 3

What conditions can cause secondary noncommunicating hydroceles?

Answer 3

• Epididymitis
• orchitis
• testicular torsion
• trauma
• testicular cancer

Question 4

When should you order an ultrasound to evaluate a hydrocele?

Answer 4

• when you suspect that the hydrocele is secondary

Question 5

Do hydroceles transilluminate?

Answer 5

Yes

Question 6

What are the indications for surgery for hydroceles?

Answer 6

• Newborns with hydroceles that persist past one year of age
• communicating hydroceles
• since they increase the risk of the development of incarcerated inguinal hernias
• symptomatic hydroceles