Hydrocele
Hydrocele
A hydrocele (Hi-droe-seel) is a type of swelling in the scrotum that occurs when fluid collects in the thin sheath surrounding a testicle. Hydrocele is common in newborns and usually disappears without treatment by age Older boys and adult men can develop a hydrocele due to inflammation or injury within the scrotum.
A hydrocele usually isn’t painful or harmful and might not need any treatment. But if you have scrotal swelling, see your doctor to rule out other causes. Usually, the only indication of a hydrocele is a painless swelling of one or both testicles.
Adult men with a hydrocele might experience discomfort from the heaviness of a swollen scrotum. Pain generally increases with the size of the inflammation. Sometimes, the swollen area might be smaller in the morning and larger later in the day.
Causes :
Baby boys : A hydrocele can develop before birth. Normally, the testicles descend from the developing baby’s abdominal cavity into the scrotum. A sac accompanies each testicle, allowing fluid to surround the testicles. Usually, each sac closes and the fluid is absorbed.
Sometimes, the fluid remains after the sac closes (noncommunicating hydrocele). The fluid is usually absorbed gradually within the first year of life. But occasionally, the sac remains open (communicating hydrocele). The sac can change size or if the scrotal sac is compressed, fluid can flow back into the abdomen. Communicating hydroceles are often associated with inguinal hernia.
Older males : A hydrocele can develop as a result of injury or inflammation within the scrotum. Inflammation might be caused by an infection in the testicle or in the small, coiled tube at the back of each testicle (epididymitis).
Risk Factors
Most hydroceles are present at birth. At least 5 percent of newborn boys have a hydrocele. Babies who are born prematurely have a higher risk of having a hydrocele.
Risk factors for developing a hydrocele later in life include:
- Injury or inflammation to the scrotum
- Infection, including a sexually transmitted infection (STI)
Complications:
A hydrocele typically isn’t dangerous and usually doesn’t affect fertility. But a hydrocele might be associated with an underlying testicular condition that can cause serious complications, including: Infection or tumor. Either might reduce sperm production or function. Inguinal hernia. The loop of intestine trapped in the abdominal wall can lead to life-threatening complications.
Treatment:
In baby boys, a hydrocele sometimes disappears on its own. But for males of any age, it’s important for a doctor to evaluate a hydrocele because it can be associated with an underlying testicular condition.
A hydrocele that doesn’t disappear on its own might need to be surgically removed, typically as an outpatient procedure. The surgery to remove a hydrocele (hydrocelectomy) can be done under general or regional anesthesia. An incision is made in the scrotum or lower abdomen to remove the hydrocele. If a hydrocele is found during surgery to repair an inguinal hernia, the surgeon might remove the hydrocele even if it’s causing no discomfort.
Laser Surgery
Varicose Veins
Varicose Veins Varicose veins are veins that have become enlarged and twisted. The term commonly refers to the veins on the leg, although varicose veins can occur elsewhere. Veins have pairs of leaflet valves to prevent blood from flowing backwards (retrograde flow or...
Fistula in Ano
Fistula in Ano A fistula in ano is a tunnel like - pipe like track, developed in the perennial region, usually having one or more external openings around the anus leading to an internal opening in the mucosa of the anal canal or the rectum. Anal fistula is also...
Pilonidal Sinus
Pilonidal Sinus A pilonidal (pie-low-NIE-dul) cyst is an abnormal pocket in the skin that usually contains hair and skin debris. A pilonidal cyst is almost always located near the tailbone at the top of the cleft of the buttocks. These cysts typically occur when hair...
Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids (Piles) Hemorrhoids (HEM-uh-roids), also called piles, are swollen and inflamed veins in your anus and lower rectum. Hemorrhoids may result from straining during bowel movements or from the increased pressure on these veins during pregnancy, among other...
Fissures
Anal Fissures Anal fissures are small cuts or tears that occur in the lining of the anus. This tear can cause serious pain and even cause bleeding while passing the stools. Sometimes, the fissures become so deep that it can even show the muscles present underneath....
Laparoscopic Surgery
Myomectomy
Myomectomy Myomectomy is the surgical removal of fibroids from the uterus. It allows the uterus to be left in place and, for some women, makes pregnancy more likely than before. Myomectomy is the preferred fibroid treatment for women who want to become pregnant. After...
Colon
Colon The colon is also known as the large bowel or large intestine. It is an organ that is part of the digestive system (also called the digestive tract) in the human body. The digestive system is the group of organs that allow us to eat and to use the food we eat to...
Varicocele
Varicocele A varicocele is an enlargement of the veins within the loose bag of skin that holds your testicles (scrotum). A varicocele is similar to a varicose vein you might see in your leg. Varicoceles are a common cause of low sperm production and decreased sperm...
Rectal Prolapse
Rectal Prolapse Rectal Prolapse is a condition in which the rectum (i.e. the last few inches of the large intestine) or a part of it, loses its normal attachments inside the body, and protrudes out through the anal opening. Although it is never an emergency problem,...
Myomectomy
Myomectomy Myomectomy is the surgical removal of fibroids from the uterus. It allows the uterus to be left in place and, for some women, makes pregnancy more likely than before. Myomectomy is the preferred fibroid treatment for women who want to become pregnant. After...
Hernia
Hernia A hernia is a weakness or opening in the abdominal wall, that often results in bulging out of fat or an organ such as intestine, which then occupies space under the skin. The opening in the abdominal wall through which the fat or organs protrude is called the...
Ovarian Cyst
Ovarian Cyst An ovarian cyst is a fluid-filled sac within the ovary. Often they cause no symptoms. Occasionally they may produce bloating, lower abdominal pain, or lower back pain. If the cyst either breaks open or causes twisting of the ovary severe pain may occur....
Uterus
Uterus Problems The uterus, or womb, is the place where a baby grows when a woman is pregnant. The first sign of a problem with the uterus may be bleeding between periods or after sex. Causes can include hormones, thyroid problems, fibroids, polyps, cancer, infection,...
Appendix
Appendix Appendicitis is inflammation of the appendix. It may be acute or chronic. Appendicitis can occur at any time, but it occurs most often between the ages of 10 and 30. It’s more common in men than in women. Complications from appendicitis can be serious and...
Gall Bladder Treatment
Causes of Gallbladder Problems Gallbladder problems are usually caused by the presence of gallstones which are usually small and hard, consisting primarily of cholesterol and bile salts that form in the gallbladder or in the bile duct. It is uncertain why some people...
General Surgery
Abscess
Abscess A skin abscess, also called a boil, is a bump that appears within or below the skin’s surface. This bump is usually full of pus or translucent fluid. It’s typically due to a bacterial infection. A skin abscess may appear on any part of the body. However,...
Cyst
Cyst Cysts are closed capsule or sac-like structures, typically filled with a liquid, semisolid, or gaseous material, much like a blister. Cysts vary in size from microscopic to very large. Very large cysts can displace internal organs. The majority are benign, but...
Thyroid
Thyroid Thyroidectomy is the surgical removal of part or all of the thyroid gland. This important gland, located in the lower front portion of the neck, produces thyroid hormone, which regulates the body’s production of energy. A healthy thyroid gland is shaped like a...
Circumcision
Circumcision A circumcision is the removal of the loose skin, called the foreskin, at the end of the penis. What are some factors I should consider in the decision whether or not to circumcise my son ? There are many reasons to choose or not choose circumcision....
Breast Lump
Breast Lump Breast lump removal is surgery to remove a lump that may be breast cancer. Tissue around the lump is also removed. This surgery is called an excisional breast biopsy, or lumpectomy. When a noncancerous tumor such as a fibroadenoma of the breast is removed,...