What is a hydrocele?
A
hydrocele is swelling of the scrotum, the thin sac that contains the testicles.
This happens when too much fluid accumulates inside. The condition is most
common in newborns, although it can happen to anyone with a scrotum.
It may
feel or sound serious, even painful, but it won't hurt your baby. This may go
away on its own, but you should still consult your doctor about it.
Causes of hydrocele
Hydrocele
can start even before the baby is born. The testicles grow inside their abdomen
and then descend into the scrotum through a short tunnel. A sac of fluid
accompanies each testicle. Usually the tunnel and sac close before birth and
the baby's body absorbs the fluid inside. When this process goes wrong, they
may have a hydrocele.
There
are two types of hydrocele:
- A non-communicating hydrocele occurs when the sac closes normally, but the boy's body does not absorb the fluid inside.
- A communicating hydrocele occurs when the sac fails to seal. With this type, their scrotum may swell more over time.
Children
born prematurely are more likely to suffer from hydrocele.
Symptoms of a hydrocele
A
hydrocele does not hurt. The only symptom you will notice is swelling of one or
both of the baby's testicles. Even if they aren't in pain, you should see your
pediatrician to make sure they don't have other conditions that cause swelling,
such as infection, swelling, or a hernia.
The
swelling with a non-communicating hydrocele does not change in size. A
communicating hydrocele can enlarge throughout the day, and if squeezed
slightly, fluid will leak from his scrotum into his abdomen.
Diagnosis of hydrocele
When
you take your child to the doctor, he will do a physical examination. They will
check the scrotum for fluid and tenderness and shine a light on it to see if
there is fluid around the testicle.
Your
doctor will also check your baby for a hernia.
Your
child may also have a blood test and an ultrasound to make sure the tumor is
not caused by something else.
Hydrocele treatment
A
hydrocele usually resolves on its own before a boy's first birthday. If it
doesn't, or if it gets bigger, their doctor will refer them to a specialist
called a urologist.
If
your son has a communicating hydrocele, the pediatrician will usually recommend
surgery without waiting for it to go away.
A
doctor can remove a hydrocele with a short operation called a hydrocelectomy.
Your
child will be given medicine to go numb or fall asleep completely. Next, the
surgeon makes an incision in the scrotum or lower abdomen. The surgeon then
drains the fluid and closes the bag. When finished, your son can go home the
same day.
For
several days after surgery, you will need to keep the area clean and dry. The
doctor and team will show you how to care for your child while he recovers.
After
a few days, you may need to take them to the doctor to make sure they are
healing well.
Complications of a hydrocele
In
most cases, a hydrocele is not very serious and does not usually affect
fertility later in life. But sometimes, having a hydrocele can mean a more
serious testicular problem and possible complications. These include:
- Infection or tumor. This can reduce sperm production or function.
- Injury
- Inguinal hernia. It occurs when a loop of intestine bulges out of a weak spot in the abdominal wall and becomes stuck. This can lead to dangerous complications.