This site is intended for healthcare professionals

Go to /sign-in page

You can view 5 more pages before signing in

Treatment

Last reviewed dd mmm yyyy. Last edited dd mmm yyyy

Authoring team

Hydrocoeles that present in early childhood are managed as a patent processus vaginalis with operation indicated only if they persist after the first year. The procedure is as for an inguinal hernia - open the sac, inspect the testis for abnormalities, ligate and divide the patent processus.

In adults, primary hydrocoeles may be treated:

  • conservatively - reassure the patient and provide a scrotal support.

  • by aspiration - use a sterile needle and syringe. Clear, pale yellow fluid should be drained; fluid that is bloodstained suggests trauma or other underlying pathology. Following aspiration, the testis should be palpable. A sclerosant such as phenol may then be injected to stop fluid from reaccumulating, otherwise, periodic aspiration may be necessary. A hydrocoele should not be tapped if there is any suspicion of tumour - in the case of a tumour, aspiration may result in spread of malignant cells.

  • by operation - if the diagnosis is in doubt, the hydrocoele is large, or fluid repeatedly reaccumulates after drainage. Once the fluid has been removed, the testis is examined for abnormalities.

In secondary hydrocoeles, treatment is of the underlying condition.


Create an account to add page annotations

Add information to this page that would be handy to have on hand during a consultation, such as a web address or phone number. This information will always be displayed when you visit this page

The content herein is provided for informational purposes and does not replace the need to apply professional clinical judgement when diagnosing or treating any medical condition. A licensed medical practitioner should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions.

Connect

Copyright 2024 Oxbridge Solutions Limited, a subsidiary of OmniaMed Communications Limited. All rights reserved. Any distribution or duplication of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited. Oxbridge Solutions receives funding from advertising but maintains editorial independence.