Peds

Communicating Hydrocele

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Communicating Hydrocele, Hydrocele in Infants

  • See Also
  1. Hydrocele
  2. Genitourinary Examination in Infants
  • Pathophysiology
  1. Incomplete obliteration of processus vaginalis
  2. Open communication between peritoneum and tunica
    1. Closes spontaneously in the first year of life
  • Symptoms and Signs
  1. See Hydrocele
  • Management
  1. Aspiration not helpful since open communication
  2. Withold surgery until after first year of life
    1. Most will resolve spontaneously
  3. Surgery for:
    1. Large or enlarging Hydrocele
    2. Indirect Inguinal Hernia (requires surgery ASAP)
  • Complications (Untreated large Hydrocele)
  1. Incarcerated Hernia or Strangulated Hernia
  2. Cryptorchidism
  • References
  1. Kaplan (2000) Pediatr Rev 21(9):311-4 [PubMed]
  2. Skoog (1995) Urol Clin North Am 22:119-30 [PubMed]