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What is a hydrocele?
A hydrocele is a collection of fluid in the scrotal sac of male infants that drains downward from the abdominal
cavity. The baby's scrotum will appear swollen or large, but he will not have
other symptoms.
There are two types of hydroceles:
- Communicating hydrocele -- This is a hydrocele that has contact (or
communication) with the fluids of the abdominal cavity. A communicating hydrocele is caused by the failure of the
processus vaginalis (the thin membrane that extends through the inguinal canal
and descends into the scrotum) to close completely during prenatal development. If this membrane remains
open, there is a potential for both a hernia and a hydrocele to develop.
- Non-communicating hydrocele -- This condition might be present at birth or might
develop years later for no obvious reason. A non-communicating hydrocele usually remains the same size or has a
very slow growth.
Unlike an inguinal hernia, a hydrocele generally is not painful and does not have noticeable symptoms. (An inguinal
hernia is tender and causes intestinal symptoms.)
How can a hydrocele be repaired?
A non-communicating hydrocele usually does not need to be surgically
repaired, since it usually goes away spontaneously within six to 12 months.
A communicating hydrocele needs to be surgically repaired to prevent further complications. The surgery takes
about an hour and is usually an outpatient procedure (which means the patient
can go home the same day of the procedure).
Before the surgery
Your child should not eat for six hours before the surgery to reduce the risk
of vomiting and aspiration (inhaling fluids) while under anesthesia.
During the surgery
- An anesthesiologist (a physician who specializes in pain relief) gives your child
general anesthesia, which puts him asleep.
- A small incision, or cut, (2 cm.) is made in the skin fold of the groin.
- The hydrocele "sac" containing the fluid is identified.
- The surgeon empties the fluid from the sac. The sac is removed.
- The muscle wall is reinforced with stitches to prevent a recurrent hernia or
hydrocele.
After the surgery
Most children will be able to go home a few hours after surgery. However,
premature infants and children with certain medical conditions might need to spend
one night in the hospital for observation.
Caring for your child after surgery
Usually, your child will feel fine again the evening after surgery or by the
next morning. As soon as your child is able, he can resume normal eating habits
and activities.
You may give your child a sponge bath the day after surgery. Tub baths are
permitted two days after surgery.
The small pieces of tape covering your child's incisions (called steri-strips)
will gradually fall off on their own. Do not pull these strips off
yourself. If the strips do not fall off on their own, your health care provider
will remove them at your child's follow-up appointment.
When to call your child's health
care provider
You might notice some minor swelling around the incision. This is normal.
However, call your health care provider if your child has:
- A fever
- Excessive swelling
- Redness
- Bleeding
- Increasing pain
Follow-up appointment
A follow-up appointment will be scheduled from seven to 10 days after your
child's surgery. Your health care provider will assess your child's wound sites
and evaluate his recovery.
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