Hydrocele Questions & Answers

Updated: Jun 20, 2023
  • Author: Ranjiv I Mathews, MD; Chief Editor: Edward David Kim, MD, FACS  more...
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Questions & Answers

Overview

What is a hydrocele?

What is the history of the procedure for hydroceles?

What is the clinical significance of hydroceles?

What is the epidemiology of hydroceles?

What causes hydroceles?

What is the pathophysiology of hydroceles?

What is the pathophysiology of communicating hydroceles?

What is the pathophysiology of noncommunicating hydroceles?

What is the typical presentation of a hydrocele?

What are the indications for treatment of a hydrocele?

What is the relevant anatomy in hydrocele?

What are the contraindications for repair of a hydrocele?

How often do hydroceles spontaneously resolve?

DDX

What other causes of non-painful testicular swelling should be considered in the workup of a hydrocele?

What other causes of painful testicular swelling should be considered in the workup of a hydrocele?

Workup

What are the approach considerations in the workup of a hydrocele?

Which lab studies are indicated in the workup of a hydrocele?

How is an inguinal hernia distinguished from a hydrocele?

Which lab studies are indicated for a transilluminating testicular mass in patients with a suspected hydrocele?

Which lab studies are indicated for suspected epididymitis/orchitis in patients with a suspected hydrocele?

What is the role of radiography in the workup of a hydrocele?

What is the role of ultrasonography in the workup of a hydrocele?

What is the role of duplex ultrasonography in the workup of a hydrocele?

What is the role of plain abdominal radiography in the workup of a hydrocele?

What are the histologic findings of a hernia associated with a hydrocele?

Treatment

What are the approach considerations in the management of a hydrocele?

What are the approaches to surgical treatment of hydroceles?

What are the indications for inguinal approach to hydrocele treatment?

What are the indications for scrotal approach to hydrocele treatment?

What is the role of sclerotherapy in the treatment of a hydrocele?

What are the perioperative considerations in the treatment of a hydrocele?

What are the intraoperative considerations in the treatment of a hydrocele?

What are the postoperative details in treatment of a hydrocele?

What follow-up is indicated following surgery for hydrocele?

What are the potential complications of surgical treatment of hydroceles?

How successful is surgical treatment of hydroceles?

What are the hydrocele treatment controversies?