Hydrocele
Background
- Accumulation of fluid around the testis
- Most common cause of painless scrotal swelling in children
- Secondary to persistent processus vaginalis
- Most resorb by 18-24 months of age
- Acute symptomatic hydroceles are not benign, require workup
Diagnosis
- +Transillumination
DDx
Testicular Diagnoses
- Scrotal cellulitis
- Epididymitis
- Fournier gangrene
- Hematocele
- Hydrocele
- Indirect inguinal hernia
- Inguinal lymph node (Lymphadenitis)
- Orchitis
- Scrotal abscess
- Spermatocele
- Tinea cruris
- Testicular rupture
- Testicular torsion
- Testicular trauma
- Testicular tumor
- Torsion of testicular appendage
- Varicocele
- Pyocele
- Testicular malignancy
- Scrotal wall hematoma
Treatment
- None indicated
Disposition
- Referral to urologist
- Hydroceles that have persisted > 1 year or patients older than 18 months should undergo ultrasonography to r/o tumor vs inflammatory etiology
See Also
Source
Tintinalli