Congenital Hydrocele

Congenital Hydrocele

Article
Sexual Health
Diseases & Conditions
+1
Contributed byKrish Tangella MD, MBAMar 21, 2020

What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

  • Congenital Hydrocele of Tunica Vaginalis

What is Congenital Hydrocele? (Definition/Background Information)

  • A hydrocele is a buildup of watery clear fluid around one or both testicles. When the hydrocele is present at birth, it is referred to as a Congenital Hydrocele
  • In most cases, Congenital Hydrocele occurs in newborn male babies. The signs and symptoms of the condition include swelling of the scrotum and groin and uncomfortable heaviness of testicles
  • Generally, Congenital Hydrocele resolves on its own, usually within the first two years of the child’s life. No long-term or serious complications are noted
  • The prognosis is excellent with suitable treatment

Who gets Congenital Hydrocele? (Age and Sex Distribution)

  • A majority of Congenital Hydrocele cases occur in newborn males
  • Very rarely, newborn girls have hydrocele of the labia
  • The condition is observed worldwide; no race or ethnicity is particularly affected

What are the Risk Factors for Congenital Hydrocele? (Predisposing Factors)

Congenital Hydrocele is a condition that is observed at birth. There are a few risk factors associated with it that include:

  • Surgery
  • Premature and/or low birth weight infants
  • Ehlers-Danlos syndrome - a disorder that leads to defective collagen structure and production

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases ones chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Congenital Hydrocele? (Etiology)

  • Testicles normally develop in the abdomen and descend from that location to their normal position in the scrotum. As the testicles descend, a lining of the abdomen, called process vaginalis, also moves with them
  • This channel usually closes around birth in most of the boys. But, if it does not, then a small amount of fluid can go from the abdomen to the scrotum through this passage. This results in a hydrocele.

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Congenital Hydrocele?

The common signs and symptoms of a Congenital Hydrocele include:

  • Swelling of the scrotum and groin
  • Uncomfortable heaviness of testicles
  • Pain is generally not experienced with a hydrocele

How is Congenital Hydrocele Diagnosed?

A Congenital Hydrocele may be diagnosed using the following methods:

  • A thorough physical examination of the testes, along with medical history
  • The following techniques may be used to make a hydrocele diagnosis:
    • Ultrasound of scrotum
    • Blood and/or urine tests to check for an infection

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Congenital Hydrocele?

Typically, Congenital Hydrocele resolves on its own with no complications. However, a few possible complications could include:

  • Co-occurrence of inguinal hernia
  • Infection

How is Congenital Hydrocele Treated?

  • Congenital Hydrocele will typically clear-up on its own within the first two years of the child’s life
  • If swelling is still present at age two, or there is a fluctuation in size of the swelling, and/or is painful, then a surgery is required to remove the fluid
  • Fine needle aspiration (aspiration of Congenital Hydrocele) may also be used to drain the fluid

How can Congenital Hydrocele be Prevented?

Congenital Hydrocele occurs at the time of birth, and presently, there are no known measures to prevent its occurrence.

What is the Prognosis of Congenital Hydrocele? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

  • In most cases, Congenital Hydrocele gets resolved by the age of two years
  • The condition has a very good prognosis with no long-term complications being observed

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Congenital Hydrocele:

Adult Hydroceles are observed in men over the 40 years of age. It may be caused by a trauma to the testes, infection or inflammation of the testes and scrotum, and tumor of the testes.

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Krish Tangella MD, MBA picture
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Krish Tangella MD, MBA

Pathology, Medical Editorial Board, DoveMed Team

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