Hydrocele in Kids - Kids Surgery in Dubai

Pediatric Hydrocele

A hydrocele is a non-painful swelling in the inguinal region or scrotum produced by a collection of fluids.

Two types of Hydrocele:

1) Communicating hydrocele

• Present at birth
• Failure of the opening between the abdominal cavity and scrotum to close properly and completely, thus allowing the abdominal fluid to pass into the sac around the testes.
• Small in size during sleep and tends to increase its size (when crying, straining, or severely coughing).

2) Non-communicating Hydrocele

• Maybe present at birth or develop as the child grows.
• The tail end of the process vaginalis was appropriately closed; thus, the fluid surrounding the testicles created by the process vaginalis lining can’t be drained or reabsorbed properly.
• Size does not change since the fluid is walled off.

How are Hydroceles diagnosed?

Physical examination by a physician and a bedside test (Transillumination) confirm the condition.

Hydrocele Treatment

95% of hydroceles that are present at birth resolve completely by one year of age. For those lasting more than a year and for non-communicating hydroceles, surgical repair is needed. This is done as a day-case surgery with minimum pain and a very low risk of complications.