Hydrocele (peds)

This page is for pediatric patients. For adult patients, see: Hydrocele.

Background

Scrotal anatomy
Scrotal anatomy
  • Accumulation of fluid around the testis
  • Most common cause of painless scrotal swelling in children
    • Secondary to persistent processus vaginalis
  • Most are right sided
  • Most resorb by 18-24 months of age
  • Acute symptomatic hydroceles are not benign, require workup

Differential Diagnosis

Testicular Diagnoses

Evaluation

Scrotal ultrasound of a 10 cm large hydrocele, with anechoic (dark) fluid surrounding the testicle.

Management

  • None indicated

Disposition

  • Referral to urologist
  • Hydroceles that persisted >1 year or in patients >18 months should undergo ultrasonography to rule out tumor vs inflammatory etiology

See Also

References