OVERVIEW
A hydrocele is defined as excess fluid in the sac surrounding your testicle.
Symptoms
You may experience the following symptoms:
- Scrotal or groin swelling
- Pain or discomfort
- Bulge in the scrotum
If you experience severe pain, pain associated with nausea/vomiting, or an abnormal lie of the testicle you should go to the ER immediately as this can be a sign of testicular torsion.
Causes
Most of the time there are no identifiable causes, but can be associated with trauma, inflammation, epididymitis-orchitis, or a hernia sac.
Diagnosis/Evaluation
- What to know before your visit:
- During your visit, your doctor will ask you questions regarding your medical history, surgical history, medications and will perform an exam with focused attention to the groin and genitalia.
- Tests that may be performed during or after your visit:
- Urinalysis: This evaluates for any blood in the urine or infection
- Scrotal ultrasound: This is an imaging study that looks at the testicles, epididymis, hydrocele sac and assesses blood flow to and from the testicle
Treatment
NON-SURGICAL TREATMENT
- Observation: For non-bothersome hydroceles or in those with significant medical issues, observation should be considered
- Aspiration: In select circumstances, percutaneous aspiration of the hydrocele sac through the skin can be performed; however, this typically has a higher recurrence rate
SURGICAL TREATMENT
- Hydrocelectomy: An outpatient procedure that involves a small incision in the scrotum with drainage and partial excision of the hydrocele sac. A drain may be left afterwards for several days at the surgeons discretion. Success rates are greater than 90% with a low rate of recurrence.
Schedule an appointment with a MidLantic Urology physician near you today!