Urologist
What is a hydrocele?
The anterior and lateral parts of the testicle are surrounded by two layers of membrane (inner layer, outer layer) called tunica vaginalis, which is a continuation of the abdominal membrane (peritoneum). Under normal conditions, there is some fluid between the two layers of the membrane.
This fluid is normally secreted and absorbed. If this balance is disrupted, that is, if secretion increases or absorption decreases, the amount of fluid increases. This increase in fluid is called hydrocele.
Why does a hydrocele form?
In adulthood, the underlying cause may be infection, trauma or cancer. Hydrocele may also occur after previous testicular or inguinal hernia surgeries.
Hydrocele can also be seen in childhood, but the formation mechanism of hydrocele in childhood is different.
What kind of damage can hydrocele cause?
If the cause of the hydrocele is not cancer or infection, it does not cause any harm other than sitting, crossing the legs, and cosmetic problems.
Is it necessary to intervene immediately in hydrocele?
If the cause of the hydrocele is testicular cancer, treatment for testicular cancer is administered. (Refer to the testicular cancer section.)
If an active testicular infection is present when hydrocele is diagnosed, infection treatment is provided. The hydrocele may disappear within a few months after treatment. If it does not resolve, intervention is required.
If the hydrocele has developed following testicular trauma, a waiting period of 1-2 months is observed to allow the hydrocele to decrease. If it does not resolve, intervention is necessary.
What is the treatment if the hydrocele does not improve?
It is not possible to treat it with medication. If the fluid is simply drained with a syringe, fluid accumulation usually occurs again within 1-2 months. In order to prevent recurrence, it is necessary to eliminate the space where the fluid accumulates (the space between the inner and outer leaves) with surgery.
An incision is made on the sac to reach the fluid-filled sac. The sac is opened and the fluid is drained.
The membrane surrounding the testicle is turned inside out and stitched behind the testicle. In this way, even if excessive fluid secretion recurs, there is no sac for it to accumulate, so a hydrocele does not occur.