Communicating Hydrocele

Aka: Communicating Hydrocele, Hydrocele in Infants

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II. Pathophysiology

  1. Incomplete obliteration of processus vaginalis
  2. Open communication between peritoneum and tunica
    1. Closes spontaneously in the first year of life

III. Symptoms and Signs

  1. See Hydrocele

IV. Management

  1. Aspiration not helpful since open communication
  2. Withold surgery until after first year of life
    1. Most will resolve spontaneously
  3. Surgery for:
    1. Large or enlarging Hydrocele
    2. Indirect Inguinal Hernia (requires surgery ASAP)

V. Complications (Untreated large Hydrocele)

  1. Incarcerated Hernia or Strangulated Hernia
  2. Cryptorchidism

VI. References

  1. Kaplan (2000) Pediatr Rev 21(9):311-4 [PubMed]
  2. Skoog (1995) Urol Clin North Am 22:119-30 [PubMed]

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