Hydrocele

What is it?

The testicles are surrounded by a number of sheaths. A small amount of fluid surrounding the testicles is naturally present between these sheaths. If this fluid accumulates, it forms a hydrocele.

Causes

A hydrocele can form if there is an imbalance between production and absorption of this fluid. This can be caused by factors such as inflammation, injuries or problems with lymphatic drainage. Hydroceles often occur following surgery to this area, for example after surgery for an inguinal hernia.

Symptoms

Patients commonly report a painless, firm but elastic swelling in their scrotum that has developed over a long period.

Diagnosis is made after physical examination and an ultrasound examination.

Treatment

Hydroceles are treated using surgery. Under an anaesthetic, the scrotum is cut open, the wall of the hydrocele is removed and the testicles are placed back in the scrotum. Simply draining the fluid from the hydrocele is not recommended, as there is a very high chance that the hydrocele will come back, and there is also a risk of infection.