Hydrocoele

• fluid collection in tunica vaginalis

• also can have encysted hydrocoele of cord

Types

• vaginal hydrocoele

  • all ages

  • no communication with peritoneal cavity

  • may be secondary to malignancy or infection

• congenital

  • child <3

  • communicates with peritoneal cavity

• infantile

  • all ages

  • incomplete reabsorption of fludi from tunica vaginalis

• Encysted hydrocoele

  • may occur anywhere along cord

Examination

• lies in front of testis

• may make testis difficult to palpate

• transilluminates

Management

• do not drain if underlying malignancy suspected

• otherwise tap (should get clear, straw-coloured fluid)

• can do repeated taps, surgery or sclerotherapy with 6% aqueous phenol or tetracycline

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