The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.
Answered by
Medically reviewed by
Patient's Query
Hi doctor,
My two years old baby got a swelling on scrotum. We took him to the hospital, and the doctor said it was a hydrocele. I learned that hydrocele happens when the tract can not close during the baby's formation and should disappear naturally after six to 12 months. So, to get more information about it, I am reaching you. Please help me. There was no symptom until two years of the baby's birth, and suddenly we noticed swelling. Is it possible to occur hydrocele after so long? If it did not exist during delivery, can the hole form again in the baby later, causing this issue? Can the symptoms suddenly be seen when the baby has completed two years without any problem? What could be the diagnosis? The doctor suggested carrying out surgery within 15 days. But we are worried if it would affect in future. Is there another way, like medication, to solve this problem? Will hydrocele occur again after conducting a diagnosis? Please give the detailed information so I can feel assured of my baby's health.
Hi,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
I understand your concern.
Hydrocele accumulates fluid in the tunica vaginalis covering the spermatic fascia. It is divided into communicating, noncommunicating and hydrocele of the cord. The hydrocele you read about is communicating one which happens in children. It can appear or get more prominent sometimes after birth immediately and sometimes later, like one to three years after birth; it is due to the nonclosure of the tunica vaginalis after the descent of the testis. Your son has the third one, encysted hydrocele of the cord, which is not the accumulation of fluid around the testis but collection around the cord only, and it is not communicating. The treatment is a small operation and usually takes 15 minutes. Once it is done, it will never come back. No need to worry. It is a minor procedure, and the complication rate is very low. There are no medications to treat it.
If you have any more questions, please let me know thanks.
Kind regards.
Patient's Query
Hi doctor,
So, it can be done only by operation? How about future consequences? Can it repeat? Thank you.
Hi,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
It would be best if the operation is done. In significantly fewer cases, there can be an injury to the nerve passing in the inguinal canal. Although it is scarce as we surgeons identify that nerve during the operation and save it if damage happens, it will affect the skin sensation over that area. And about reoccurrence, it will not occur on the same side. So the rate of developing hydrocele on the opposite side will be the same as for the general population.
I hope you find it helpful.
Kind regards.
Was this conversation helpful?
Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!
Disclaimer: No content published on this website is intended to be a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, advice or treatment by a trained physician. Seek advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with questions you may have regarding your symptoms and medical condition for a complete medical diagnosis. Do not delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice because of something you have read on this website. Read our Editorial Process to know how we create content for health articles and queries.
This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. iCliniq privacy policy
