Description

A collection of fluid between the parietal and visceral layers of the tunica vaginalis within the scrotum

• Communicating hydrocele (patent processus vaginalis)
  • Direct communication with the peritoneal cavity
  • Contains peritoneal fluid
  • Almost always with associated indirect inguinal hernia
  • Decreases in size with recumbent position
• Noncommunicating hydrocele (The processus vaginalis is not patent.)
  • No direct connection to the peritoneal cavity
  • Fluid contained is from the mesothelial lining.
  • Can be isolated to the cord with the distal and proximal portions of the processus vaginalis closed
• Acute hydrocele: fluid collection resulting from an acute process within the tunica vaginalis, typically involving only the scrotum
• Although this disorder is found nearly exclusively in male patients, there is a rare hydrocele into the canal of Nuck in females which results from a fluid collection in an abnormal open pouch of peritoneum extending into the labia majora.
• System(s) affected: urogenital

Pediatric Considerations
Most congenital communicating hydroceles resolve spontaneously by 2 years of age.

Epidemiology

Predominant age: childhood

Incidence
Estimated at 0.7–4.7% of male infants

Prevalence

• 1,000/100,000
• Estimated at 1% of adult men

Etiology and Pathophysiology

• Incomplete closure of the processus vaginalis trapping peritoneal fluid anywhere along the length of the tunica vaginalis
• Failure of closure of the processus vaginalis maintaining a communication to the peritoneal cavity
• Imbalance of the secretion and reabsorption of fluid from the lining of the tunica vaginalis
• Infection
• Tumors
• Trauma
• Ipsilateral renal transplantation (due to disruption of the spermatic cord during the procedure)

Risk Factors

• For adult-acquired hydroceles:
  • Ventriculoperitoneal shunt
  • Ehlers-Danlos syndrome
  • Peritoneal dialysis
  • History of scrotal surgery to include varicocelectomy
• For congenital hydroceles:
  • Exstrophy of the bladder
  • Cloacal exstrophy

Commonly Associated Conditions

• For adult-acquired hydroceles:
  • Testicular tumors
  • Scrotal trauma
  • Ventriculoperitoneal shunt
  • Nephrotic syndrome
  • Renal failure with peritoneal dialysis