Testicular hydrocele can affect both infants (congenital hydrocele) and adult men (acquired hydrocele). Its first and most characteristic symptom is enlargement of the scrotum. What are the causes and other symptoms of testicular hydrocele? How is the treatment going?
The kernel hydroceleis nothing more than an excessive accumulation of fluid in its shells. Usually, it affects only one (often right) side, less often the disease occurs on both sides.
The testicular hydration usually does not cause pain, so the disease is often discovered by accident or only at the time of increased swelling of the scrotum.
In infants, testicular hydrocele is a congenital disease, caused by failure to absorb the fluid that surrounds the testicles as they descend into the scrotum. Another reason may also be the so-called not fully closed. vaginal process, which is part of the peritoneum and it is through it that fluid moves from the abdominal cavity to the scrotum. On the other hand, acquired testicular hydrocele may result from trauma, inflammation (e.g. acute or chronic orchitis) or a complication following surgical treatment of varicocele. Regardless of the causes of the testicular hydrocele, a thorough diagnosis and appropriate treatment are necessary.
Testicular waterlogger: symptoms and diagnosis
The first and basic symptom of a testicular hydrocele is an enlargement of the scrotum. However, the skin around the affected area remains smooth, non-reddened, and there are no problems with urinating. Usually, the unilateral swelling is not painful, but it is so visible that finally the patient goes to the doctor. On rare occasions, a build-up of fluid in the scrotum puts pressure on the testes and can make them painful, for example during sports. The disease itself is not dangerous, but doctors are of the opinion that excessive accumulation of fluid may interfere with the functioning of the testicles, and thus indirectly affect sperm production and quality, and thus male fertility. In addition, the specialist must exclude the presence of other conditions that give similar symptoms as hydrocele, e.g. inguinal hernia, scrotal hernia, testicular inflammation or epididymitis, or even testicular cancer.
Fortunately, diagnostics in orderconfirming or excluding a hydrocele is not complicated. It includes, among others diaphanoscopy, which illuminates the scrotum, e.g. with a flashlight. It is characteristic of a testicular hydrocele that light penetrates through it, unlike, for example, into a tumor. Of course, one hundred percent confirmation is provided by the ultrasound examination of the scrotum, thanks to which you can also assess any changes in the testicles.
Kernel hydro: treatment
Treatment of a testicular hydrocele is based on a surgical procedure. In children, operations are performed not earlier than after the age of two. Often, the hydrocele will resolve spontaneously by then, e.g. by absorption of fluid around the testicles or by closure of the vaginal process. However, if a decision is made about surgery, there is no reason to worry - it is not complicated, and complications are extremely rare.
The operation can be performed using the Winkelmann or Bergmann method. In both cases, the most important issue is the removal of excess fluid, and the difference between the methods is that in the former, the kernels are folded out and sewn together, and in the latter, the excess of the casings is simply cut away. The Bergmann method is used for larger testicular hydrocele when doctors are concerned that the disease may return.
After surgery, the patient must stay in the hospital until the tube is removed, which helps clean the scrotum. However, within a few weeks after the procedure, a sparing lifestyle is necessary, especially since the scrotum may be swollen and sore during this time. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid physical exertion and wear tight underwear so that the swelling is absorbed faster. The control visit should take place after about seven days, the doctor assesses how the postoperative wound heals. Later, possible consultations require too long swelling or pain after the procedure, but complications in the case of testicular hydrocele surgery occur extremely rarely.