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Hydrocele

Jared M. Patton, MS, MD Reviewed 05/2023
 


BASICS

DESCRIPTION

A hydrocele is a collection of fluid between the parietal and visceral layers of the tunica vaginalis within the scrotum. 
  • Communicating hydrocele (patent processus vaginalis)

    • Direct c...

DIAGNOSIS

HISTORY

  • Acute, subacute, or chronic swelling of the scrotum or inguinal canal

  • Frequent changes in size of the hydrocele with position change or activity (indicative of a communicating hydrocel...

TREATMENT

ISSUES FOR REFERRAL

  • Urology referral for symptomatic adults or if underlying diagnosis is unclear

  • Pediatric urology/surgery referral for children with symptomatic noncommunicating hydrocele

  • Ped...

ONGOING CARE

FOLLOW-UP RECOMMENDATIONS

Patient Monitoring

  • Depending on method of treatment, initial follow-up is generally in the first 4 to 6 weeks

  • With sclerotherapy, follow-up is for confirmation of r...

REFERENCES

1
Hall  NJ, Ron  O, Eaton  S, et al. Surgery for hydrocele in children—an avoidable excess? J Pediatr Surg.  2011;46(12):2401–2405. [View A...

CODES

ICD10

  • N43.0 Encysted hydrocele

  • N43.3 Hydrocele, unspecified

  • N43.2 Other hydrocele

  • N43.1 Infected hydrocele

  • P83.5 Congenital hydrocele

  • N43 Hydrocele and spermatocele

SNOMED

  • 11666007 Infected hydrocele

  • 266...

CLINICAL PEARLS

  • A hydrocele can usually be diagnosed by physical exam and transillumination. If there is any concern for other underlying process, a formal US is recommended.

  • Aspiration alone is not in...

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