A hydrocele is a collection of fluid around the testicle. Patients with a hydrocele will usually notice swelling of one or both sides of the scrotum. Hydroceles occur when there is an imbalance between production and reabsorption of the normal lubricating fluid that sits around the testicle.
Hydrocele’s can occur at birth. Usually these hydroceles resolve by one year of age.
Secondary hydroceles can occur in older men. This may be on one side or affect both sides of the scrotum.
In many cases no cause is found for the hydrocele. Some other causes of hydrocele include trauma, infection, testicular tumour and after a torsion of the testicle.
Many hydroceles do not cause any symptoms. Some may cause pain, a heavy dragging sensation in the scrotum or other symptoms.
The repair of a hydrocele (hydrocoelectomy) usually involves an procedure. This procedure is predominantly done under general anaesthetic but may be done under local or regional anaesthetic. It is usually a day procedure (patients go home the same day).
