Hydrocele
Article Sections
Introduction
A hydrocele is a collection of fluid within the tunica vaginalis, which can lead to scrotal swelling. Most cases are congenital and occur in neonates; acquired cases typically occur in older children and adolescents and are often secondary to injury, infection, or tumors.
Pathogenesis and risk factors
A hydrocele forms due to an imbalance between the secretion and reabsorption of fluid by the tunica vaginalis (Figure 1). It can occur congenitally or can be acquired secondarily.
Congenital hydrocele
During embryogenesis, the testis descends through the inguinal canal, drawing with it a diverticulum of peritoneum into the scrotum. This peritoneal tissue is known as the processus vaginalis. Normally, communication between the processus vaginalis and the peritoneum is obliterated, and the tunica vaginalis is the remaining tissue overlying the testis and epididymis.
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