Hydrocele
- What is a Hydrocele?
- How does a Hydrocele occur?
- How is a Hydrocele treated?
A hydrocele is a membranous sack of fluid that surrounds the
testicle and can cause swelling of the scrotum. Any swelling of
the scrotum needs to be examined by a doctor to distinguish
between serious and benign conditions. A hydrocele is a benign
condition, but testicular cancer can mimic a hydrocele.
As a male embryo is developing within the womb the testicles are originally in the abdomen near the kidneys. As the fetus develops the testicles descend down into the scrotum. As they descend they leave behind a tunnel called the processes vaginalis. This tunnel is supposed to close at birth but if it does not it may lead to a hernia or a hydrocele later in life.
A hydrocele is treated with a procedure called a Bottle Procedure. This is done, as an outpatient, under general anesthesia . A small incision is made on the scrotum and the hydrocele is opened and drained of the fluid. The hydrocele is then everted around the testicle and secured. In essence it is turned inside out. This keeps the fluid from re-accumulating.
