Hydrocele in children

Testicular effusion is a common phenomenon among men. Some children may also experience this phenomenon. The cause of this condition is not very clear. In many cases, there are no symptoms when testicular hydrocele occurs, and it does not cause pain. In general, a lump will appear in the groin or scrotum, and there will be a feeling of heaviness when the lump is larger.

Types of hydrocele in children

Hydrocele:

There is a large, round, smooth mass in the scrotum that is not connected to the abdominal cavity, the mass does not shrink, and the testicles cannot be felt.

Spermatic hydrocele:

There is a round and smooth mass in the spermatic cord, which is not connected to the abdominal cavity, so the mass will not shrink and the testicles can be felt.

Communicating hydrocele:

Similar to an indirect inguinal hernia, there is a narrow passage connecting to the abdominal cavity, but the intestines cannot fall out and fluid can only enter and exit through the abdominal cavity. The lump shrinks when the child lies flat, especially in the early morning, and increases after standing and moving.

Precautions for children with hydrocele

Hydrocele in children is a cystic mass in the scrotum. A small amount of fluid accumulation may not cause discomfort and is often discovered during physical examinations. When the amount of fluid accumulation is large, it can cause dull pain in the scrotum and a feeling of pulling on the spermatic cord; in the early fetus, the testicles are behind the peritoneum, and from July to September, they descend through the inguinal canal into the scrotum, and the peritoneum attached to the testicles also descends to form the peritoneal processus vaginalis. After birth, the processus vaginalis of the entire spermatic cord from the internal ring to the testis gradually atrophies and retracts. The processus vaginalis of the testis forms the sac-like tunica vaginalis proper of the testis. There is only a small amount of serous fluid in the normal tunica vaginalis cavity. When the secretion and absorption functions of the tunica vaginalis lose balance, hydrocele may occur.

Treatment of hydrocele in children

1. If the hydrocele is not large and the tension is not high, there is no need to rush to treat it within one year of age, as there is still a chance that it will resolve on its own. If the mass is large, has high tension, and compresses the spermatic cord and testicles, surgical treatment should be performed. The purpose of the surgery is to prevent compression of the spermatic cord which may lead to testicular atrophy due to blood circulation disorders.

2. This operation requires general anesthesia for children. The child will feel pain for a day or two after the operation, but will be fine afterwards. This is considered a minor operation. If the operation goes well, the child can be discharged from the hospital in a week.

Impact on men’s business

1. The hydrocele around the testicles compresses the testicles, affecting blood circulation and spermatogenesis.

2. The hydrocele is too large, affecting the couple's sex life.

3. Those suffering from diseases such as tuberculosis and orchitis are not conducive to fertility.