Hydrocele Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Understanding
Hydrocele is the accumulation of excess fluid in the cavity that lies between the parietal and visceral layers of the tunica vaginalis of the scrotum. Under normal circumstances, there is fluid in the vaginal cavity which is balanced by the reabsorption of the lymphatic system.
If there is a disturbance in the production and absorption balance system, fluid buildup can occur and this can manifest as a hydrocele. This disorder is found in 80–90% of male infants. Of these, 90–95% of them will disappear spontaneously before the age of 2 years. Hydrocele is also found in one in a hundred adult men and usually occurs after the age of 20 years.
Symptoms
Most cases of hydrocele do not cause clinical symptoms. The most common symptom is swelling of the scrotum. Hydrocele usually does not cause painful symptoms, but the patient will complain of discomfort in the testicles.
Reason
There are several causes of hydrocele. In children, this disorder can be caused by incomplete closure of the processus vaginalis, resulting in the flow of peritoneal fluid into the vaginal cavity.
In addition, fluid buildup is also caused by the inadequate reabsorption process by the lymphatic system in the area. Apart from that, hydrocele can also be caused by various other causes such as tumors, infections, or trauma to the testicles.
Diagnosis
There are several things that need to be done to determine the diagnosis of hydrocele. During the medical interview, information will be obtained in the form of painless enlargement of the scrotum.
If the patient feels pain, a diagnosis of testicular torsion should be considered. One of the tests to support the diagnosis of a hydrocele is an examination using a flashlight (transillumination). This examination is carried out by directing the flashlight on the scrotum. On examination, you will see the scrotal border with clear fluid surrounding it.
Treatment
The main principle of treating hydrocele is to address the underlying cause. Treatment can be done by aspiration-sclerotherapy method (sucking up fluid) or by surgery.
In the aspiration-sclerotherapy method, hydrocele fluid is aspirated. Then the patient will receive an injection of a sclerotic substance (eg tetracycline, sodium tetradecyl sulfate or urea) so that the mucosa becomes dry and adhesions occur.
Another therapy that can be done is surgery, hydrocelectomy. Surgical therapy is chosen if the scrotum enlarges rapidly and causes uncomfortable symptoms in the patient.
Prevention
There is no effective prevention for hydrocele yet.