A testicular hydrocele is an accumulation of serous fluid in the scrotum – it has the form of a painless, ovoid lump that can be palpated and leads to a visible enlargement of the scrotum (sometimes the lump is visible through the skin).

There are two types of this ailment:

• congenital hydrocele – occurs in infants and
• acquired hydrocele – most often diagnosed in older boys.

Congenital hydrocephalus is caused by not absorbing the fluid surrounding the testicles as they descend into the bag or collection of fluid that travels through the scrotum through it closed vaginal process (part of the peritoneum). The connection between the abdominal cavity and the scrotum should close until the child is 6 months old, but it happens that a fissure remains in this place.

Most often, hydrocele found in newborns is self-absorbed, but if it does not, it will grow up to the age of about one year, and then the surgery may be necessary. In any case a hydrocele should be consulted with a specialist.

Acquired hydrocele, in turn, is most often found as a result of inflammation (e.g. testicular inflammation) or trauma – it can occur in both children and adult men.

Symptoms of testicular hydrocele are clearly visible – the most common is enlargement of the scrotum and the size of the kernel. There is a soft lump under the fingers that moves against the skin. The skin itself is smooth and non-red.

Whenever a testicular hydrocele is found, it is necessary to perform a thorough diagnosis and take appropriate treatment. It is also important because they can cause similar symptoms as other medical conditions, such as a scrotal or inguinal hernia, and inflammation of the supernucleus or testicle. Untreated hydrocele can lead to fertility problems in adulthood or neoplastic changes.

Surgical procedures in children are usually performed after the age of 2 if the hydrocele is not absorbed spontaneously – the operation is not complicated and complications are rare.

It is based on removing excess fluid, folding and sewing the testicle casings or removing the excessive casings. A small patient will experience swelling and pain, but both ailments quickly subside.