Hydroceles

OVERVIEW:

A hydrocele is srotal swelling which is caused by excessive fluid secretion by one of the linings which surrounds the testicle. Ultrasound of the scrotum may be necessary to ensure there is no cancer present.

TREATMENT:

Conservative management: There is no need for intervention unless a patient is bothered by size or discomfort because this does not ever turn into cancer.

• Sclerotherapy: A small office procedure in which the surgeon places a needle into the scrotum and remove the fluid and possibly puts in an agent to keep the fluid from re-accumulating. It has about a 50% chance of cure.
• Hydrocelectomy: An outpatient procedure which is usually performed through an incision in the scrotum, and the fluid sac is opened, the fluid is drained, and the sac is removed to prevent recurrence. size. This is considered definitive treatment, with success rates of about 95%.