Question

Detailed medical history and purpose of consultation: My son is over four years old. When he was around two years old, we noticed that his left testicle seemed somewhat larger (this was not the case before the age of two). When asked if it hurt, he said no, and it did not affect his eating, sleeping, playing, or walking. We initially thought it might be a hernia, but after checking at the hospital, the doctor said it was a pediatric hydrocele and no treatment was necessary; it would gradually improve as he grew older. Indeed, after some time, it disappeared on its own. However, somehow it occasionally recurs, often during crying spells, and then improves after a while. The duration of this condition varies. In October, when he cried very hard, we noticed that the hydrocele was larger than usual. How should it be treated?

Answer

Generally, hydroceles in infants can often be absorbed spontaneously during development, so treatment is usually not required unless the hydrocele is large. Surgical treatment is suitable for larger hydroceles and usually involves orchidopexy surgery. For spermatic hydroceles, cystectomy is performed. For communicating hydroceles, high ligation at the processus vaginalis combined with tunical inversion is performed. Small hydroceles can be treated with cyst puncture and fluid aspiration followed by medication injection. It generally will not affect the child’s future fertility or other sexual functions. It is recommended that you actively take your child to the hospital for treatment. Wishing your child a speedy recovery!