The male reproductive organ of the testis is surrounded by a double layer protective membrane. There is normally some fluid between the two layers of this membrane. This liquid provides the lubrication of the testicle. If the liquid between the two leaves of this membrane surrounding the testicles is more than normal, it is called hydrocele. Hydrocele is also known as swelling of bags, get a blister, water hernia.
Why Hydrocele Occurs?
In children, hydrocele is caused by the inability to close the inguinal canal. The inguinal canal is usually self-closing until 2 years of age. When the inguinal canal closes, the hydrocele also disappears. After two years of age, there is no chance of the spontaneous closure of inguinal canal, so surgery should be performed to close the canal. If it is not closed, hydrocele may grow even in later ages. It may even turn into inguinal hernia because of the intestine entrance.
How to diagnose hydrocele?
Hydrocele can be understood easily by examination. If the bags are lighted during the examination, it passes the light because of the liquid inside. This indicates that the bag is filled with liquid. If it is suspected that there is no water in the bag, ultrasound of the bag is taken.
When should the hydrocele be treated?
In babies, hydrocele surgery should be performed after 2 years of age. Because the inguinal canal that remains open until the age of 2 closes automatically. In this case, hydrocele also disappears, so there is no need for surgery.
Hydrocele Treatment
The treatment of hydrocele, which did not close until the age of two, was surgery. However, if there is also inguinal hernia with hydrocele, surgery should be performed immediately. While there is no danger of hydrocele, there is a danger due to suffocation of the intestines in the case of hernia.
Sometimes hydrocele fluid can be discharged by needle, but in this case hydrocele may occur again. In the operation, when the fluid is drained, the canal between the bag and abdomen is closed as in hernia surgery.