UROLOGY · CONDITIONS
Hydrocele
Painless accumulation of fluid around the testis causing scrotal swelling , a common, benign condition correctable with a simple day-care surgical procedure.
ABOUT THIS CONDITION
What is Hydrocele?
A hydrocele is a collection of fluid within the tunica vaginalis surrounding the testis. It is common in newborns , often resolving spontaneously in the first year , and can develop in adults following infection, injury, or inflammation. A communicating hydrocele in adults may indicate a patent processus vaginalis or associated hernia. Dr. Vipin evaluates all scrotal swellings with ultrasound to exclude underlying testicular pathology before recommending surgical repair, which is performed as a day-care procedure with very low recurrence.
SIGNS TO WATCH
Common Symptoms
Symptoms that need attention
WHY IT HAPPENS
Causes & Risk Factors
- Patent processus vaginalis (communicating, in adults)
- Epididymo-orchitis , inflammatory reaction
- Testicular injury or trauma
- Post-vasectomy or post-surgery reaction
- Testicular tumour (secondary hydrocele)
- Idiopathic , most adult hydroceles are primary
CLINICAL DETAILS
KeyFacts
Scrotal ultrasound mandatory , confirms hydrocele and excludes underlying testicular tumour.
Eversion of the hydrocele sac , most widely performed technique with very low recurrence.
Plication of the sac without excision , preferred for smaller hydroceles with less dissection.
Needle drainage is not recommended , >70% recurrence rate. Surgery is the only definitive treatment.
Scrotal support and rest for 5–7 days. Most patients return to normal in 1–2 weeks.
Communicating hydroceles in boys are repaired laparoscopically via the inguinal canal.
HOW WE TREAT IT
Treatment Approach
Hydrocelectomy , Jaboulay's Procedure
The hydrocele sac is opened through a scrotal incision and its edges are everted behind the testis , the most widely performed and effective technique with very low recurrence rates.
- 1
Ultrasound Assessment
Scrotal ultrasound confirms the diagnosis and assesses the underlying testis for any associated tumour, epididymal cyst, or varicocele.
- 2
Anaesthesia
The procedure is performed under general or spinal anaesthesia as a day-care operation , discharge the same day in most cases.
- 3
Hydrocelectomy
The hydrocele sac is accessed through a scrotal incision and either everted (Jaboulay) or plicated (Lord's) to prevent fluid reaccumulation.
- 4
Recovery
Scrotal support worn for 1 week. Swelling settles within 2–3 weeks. Light activities resumed within 5–7 days.
AVAILABLE TREATMENTS
Treatment Options
Hydrocelectomy , Jaboulay's Procedure
Eversion of the hydrocele sac , the most effective and definitive surgical technique with very low recurrence.
Lord's Plication
Plication of the sac without excision , preferred for smaller hydroceles, with less bleeding and faster recovery.
Laparoscopic Hydrocelectomy
Laparoscopic ligation of the patent processus vaginalis through the inguinal canal , preferred for communicating hydroceles and children.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
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