Hydrocele
A hydrocele is a usually painless swelling in the scrotum caused by a build-up of fluid inside the tubes surrounding the testicles. It is usually found in newborns and boys under the age of five, commonly due to an opening between the abdomen and scrotum that never closed properly during development.
It can also occur in men aged 40 years or older in response to scrotal trauma, as a side effect of surgery for varicocele repair, or for no known reason.
This benign process is characterised by the accumulation of fluid between the visceral and parietal layer of the tunica vaginalis of the testicle, and this fluid may or may not be with the peritoneal cavity.
What is a hydrocele?
It is a swelling caused by the accumulation of fluid around the testicle that causes an increase in the volume of the testicle.
What are the causes of hydrocele?
This is common in newborns, but usually resolves without treatment by one year of age. However, older boys and adult men may develop a hydrocele due to inflammation or injury within the scrotum.
It is also described as a consequence of inflammation, trauma, heart failure, etc. The hydrocele usually grows slowly, increasing its inner tension or size and can cause discomfort, because its own weight pulls on the testicular cord or because the distension caused by the fluid rises up the cord and disturbs the inguinal ring.
Rapid growth should alert us, especially in young people, and tumours should always be ruled out.
What is the diagnostic protocol?
At our clinic, one of our specialists will assess the patient's medical history and rule out dangerous causes of hydrocele formation. In addition, a thorough physical examination and imaging tests such as ultrasound will be performed.
What is the treatment of hydrocele?
Treatment is always surgical; puncturing the hydrocele can only lead to infection and the fluid always grows back.
This surgery is performed on an outpatient basis and the patient can go home the same day. Recovery is very quick and after 48 hours the patient can lead a relatively normal life.
What is hydrocele surgery like?
The surgery is performed by making a cut in the scrotum and removing one of the layers (the testicle is like an onion, it has many layers) of the testicle to drain the fluid. The testicle continues to function in the same way as before the surgery.
As in all our surgeries, the fees include a 6-month control and follow-up without any additional cost. After the surgery, the patient will come to our centre where we will take care of the cures and monitor the postoperative period and any possible doubts or problems that the patient may have.
Our specialists
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