What Measures Should Be Taken If Hydrocele Fluid Does Not Reduce?

Question

My son is 20 days old, and there has been no improvement in his hydrocele condition. Is this a serious issue? What measures should be taken?

Answer

Normally, a small amount of fluid is present in the tunica vaginalis, which serves to lubricate the testicles. If the fluid is excessive, it forms a hydrocele. Depending on the location of the fluid and whether it communicates with the peritoneal cavity, it can be classified into four types: communicating hydrocele, spermatic hydrocele, spermatic testicular hydrocele, and testicular hydrocele. Excessive fluid can cause a feeling of descending pressure and form a mass locally. During examination, a cystic mass can be felt in the scrotum, and the transillumination test is positive. The treatment principle for hydroceles varies depending on age. For infants under 2 years old, hydroceles often resolve spontaneously without surgical treatment. For larger hydroceles or those accompanied by obvious symptoms, partial tunica vaginalis resection and inversion may be considered. For communicating hydroceles, ligation of the tunical process at the internal ring may be performed. The prognosis after surgery is generally good.