Pediatric Surgery Specialist Prof. Dr. Feryal Gün Soysal talked about the problem and treatment of hydrocele (water bladder) seen in childhood.
Hydrocele is normally produced by the fluid in the sac surrounding the testicle. It usually manifests itself as a painless swelling in the scrotum (the sac that holds the testicle). Hydroceles are often found in newborn boys, especially premature babies.
Most hydroceles in newborn boys will heal on their own as the duct shrinks. Those that do not heal on their own may require surgical correction because of a duct (or tube) that connects the abdomen to the scrotum and allows abdominal fluid to flow into the scrotum. Hydroceles can also occur in older boys during adolescence or adulthood.
Hydroceles that occur in boys during puberty (or pubertal development) are adult-type hydroceles. These typically do not have a duct connecting the abdomen to the scrotum, but simply represent excess fluid production by the tissue surrounding the testicle. If they become large, surgical correction may be necessary.
In case of asymptomatic hydrocele, there is no connection between the abdominal cavity and the sac around the testicle in the scrotum. This type of hydrocele is usually found in newborns, and they usually improve or disappear over time.
If the child is older and has this type of hydrocele, it is called "adult-type" hydrocele. These can be caused by other problems such as infection, torsion (twisting of the testicles) or tumor, so it is critical for an older child or adolescent to be examined by a doctor if swelling of the scrotum occurs.
A hydrocele may become apparent when the sac does not close. This means that the fluid around the testicle can flow back into the abdomen. You may notice that the hydrocele appears smaller early in the day and larger in the evening. This may be because your child is upright all day. It may seem smaller because the pressure can cause fluid to flow back into the abdomen.
What causes it?
During the seventh month of fetal development, the testicles move from the abdomen to the scrotum. When the testicle moves downward, it brings the sac-like lining of the abdominal cavity with it. sac, testicle of fluid in the abdomen allows it to surround. This sac usually closes before birth and prevents additional fluid from flowing from the abdomen to the scrotum and the fluid is absorbed.
Hydroceles do not harm the testicles in any way and do not cause any pain to the child. But sometimes, if the sac remains open, a loop of bowel can be pushed through the opening, creating a hernia. If your child's scrotum suddenly seems very large and hard and he won't stop crying, you should see a doctor right away. Your child may need emergency care.
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