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Posted by stacey on May 30, 1999 at 11:22:42 We have been given a referral to adopt an infant diangosed with hydrocele in the
left testicle. I have read in your forum that it is not cancerous
and can be removed if bothersome.
When should or can it be removed from an infant? Are there any other
complications that may arise from this condition? Thank you for the information.
Posted by HFHS M.D.-CK on June 02, 1999 at 18:02:32Dear stacey,
Hydroceles in infants and adults are treated differently. Many infants have communicating hydroceles. Fluid from the abdomen makes its way down the inguinal canal and settles around the testicle in a sac called the tunica vaginalis. Normally the connection closes during development. If it does not, it must be closed off surgically. Usually, surgeons wait about one year to see if the connection closes off on its own. If it does not, it probably will not ever spontaneously close off. If it is left alone, a indirect hernia with bowel contents trapped in the scrotum could develop. This is dangerous.
The surgery involved is outpatient. A small incision in the lower abdomen is made. Adult hydroceles usually do not communicate with the abdomen contents, and a scrotal incision is made.
This information is provided for general medical information purposes only. Please consult your physician for diagnostic and treatment options pertaining to your specific medical condition. More individualized care is available through our department at the Henry Ford Hospital and its suburban locations (I-800-653-6568).
Sincerely;
HFHS M.D.-CK
* Keyword: communicating hydrocele
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